What is the purpose of the Tinel's sign?

• A. To detect peripheral nerve irritation or regeneration
• B. To assess bony tenderness
• C. To test carotid patency
• D. To evaluate ligament laxity

Answer: (C)

Tinel's sign tests nerve irritation along a nerve’s path by tapping over the nerve. If tapping elicits tingling or a shock-like sensation in the nerve’s distribution, it suggests the nerve is irritated, compressed, or regenerating after injury. This is commonly used for neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve at the wrist) or ulnar nerve issues at the elbow. It isn’t used to assess bone tenderness, carotid patency, or ligament laxity, which are evaluated with other methods like palpation for bones, checking the carotid pulse (and sometimes listening for bruits), and applying ligament-specific stress tests.