What is the purpose of the Finkelstein's test?

• A. Irritation of abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons
• B. Median nerve compression
• C. Ulnar collateral ligament integrity
• D. Flexor digitorum tendons

Answer: (A)

Finkelstein's test is used to detect irritation or stenosing tenosynovitis of the first dorsal (thumb) compartment, where the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons run. When the patient makes a fist with the thumb tucked inside and the wrist is sharply deviated toward the ulnar side, pain over the radial aspect of the wrist indicates inflammation of those tendons, consistent with de Quervain's tenosynovitis. The other options point to different structures or conditions not tested by this maneuver: median nerve compression presents with numbness or tingling rather than focal tendon pain; injury to the ulnar collateral ligament affects thumb stability at the MCP joint; and issues with the flexor digitorum tendons involve other tendons and actions in the fingers, not the first dorsal compartment.