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.