TINEL'S
SIGN
• Test positioning
The client is seated with the elbow in slight flexion, and the therapist is standing with the distal hand grasping the client's wrist (laterally).
• Action
With the wrist stabilized, tap the ulnar nerve in the ulnar notch (between the olecranon process and medial epicondyle) with the index finger.
• Positive finding
Tingling along the ulnar distribution of the forearm, hand, and fingers is indicative of ulnar nerve compromise.
• Special considerations & comments
A positive finding can be related to traction of the ulnar nerve from a valgus force or it can be related to some type of compression of the nerve itself, as would be seen with inflammation surrounding the area.
Performance of a bilateral assessment is recommended for comparison of results.
Tinel's Sign, named after Dr. Jules Tinel, was developed through his work in neurology and peripheral nerve injuries.
Contributions from Dr. James Cyriax have further refined its application in diagnosing nerve compression syndromes.