If a Phalen test is positive for a patient experiencing hand numbness, what is the likely diagnosis?

If a Phalen test is positive for a patient experiencing hand numbness, what is the likely diagnosis?

• A. Gamekeeper's thumb
• B. Carpal tunnel syndrome
• C. Scaphoid fracture
• D. Dupuytren's contracture

Answer: (B)

A positive Phalen test is strongly indicative of carpal tunnel syndrome. This test involves holding the wrists in flexion for an extended period, which typically exacerbates symptoms in individuals with this condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, becomes compressed. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand, particularly in the thumb and first three fingers. The rationale for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome with a positive Phalen test hinges on the fact that the flexed position increases pressure within the carpal tunnel and can lead to symptoms associated with median nerve involvement. The presence of hand numbness, particularly when correlated with the Phalen maneuver, aligns well with this diagnosis. Other conditions listed, such as gamekeeper's thumb, scaphoid fracture, and Dupuytren's contracture, do not typically present with symptoms elicited by the Phalen test, making them less likely to be the correct diagnosis in this context.

A positive Phalen test is strongly indicative of carpal tunnel syndrome. This test involves holding the wrists in flexion for an extended period, which typically exacerbates symptoms in individuals with this condition. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, becomes compressed. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand, particularly in the thumb and first three fingers.

The rationale for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome with a positive Phalen test hinges on the fact that the flexed position increases pressure within the carpal tunnel and can lead to symptoms associated with median nerve involvement. The presence of hand numbness, particularly when correlated with the Phalen maneuver, aligns well with this diagnosis.

Other conditions listed, such as gamekeeper's thumb, scaphoid fracture, and Dupuytren's contracture, do not typically present with symptoms elicited by the Phalen test, making them less likely to be the correct diagnosis in this context.