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Abstract
Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of two provocative tests (Phalen’s test and Hoffmann-Tinel’s sign) in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Design. Phalen’s test and Hoffmann-Tinel’s sign were carried out on cases with positive electrodiagnostic tests and on controls.
Results. Sensitivity and specificity of Phalen’s test was found to be respectively 67.2% and 92.9%, and for the percussion test (Hoffmann-Tinel), 53.4 and 95.6%. 98 of 436 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome showed negative results for both tests. The false positive and negative rates of Phalen’s test were 7% and 32.7 respectively. On the other hand the false positive and negative rates of Tinel’s sign were 4.3% and 46.5% respectively.
Conclusion. We concluded that Phalen’s test and Tinel’s sign have good specificity but that their sensitivity is too poor to recommend either manoeuvre as a screening test.