Tinel's sign

Tinel's sign
Transverse section across the wrist and digits. (The median nerve is the yellow dot near the center. The carpal tunnel is not labeled, but the circular structure surrounding the median nerve is visible.)
A photograph conveying Tinel's sign being performed on the left foot to support the diagnosis of morton's neuroma.
SpecialtyNeurology, Physical medicine and rehabilitation, Plastic surgery
Differential diagnosisPeripheral neuropathy, Radiculopathy, Plexopathy

Tinel's sign (also Hoffmann-Tinel sign or Tinel's Test) is a way to detect irritated nerves. It is performed by lightly tapping (percussing) over the nerve to elicit a sensation of tingling or "pins and needles" in the distribution of the nerve. Percussion is usually performed moving distal to proximal. It is named after Jules Tinel.

This sign is commonly used in the evaluation of compression neuropathies, including carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome and symptomatic neuroma. It may also be used to monitor recovery following peripheral nerve injury or nerve repair.

Studies show that the diagnostic performance of Tinel’s sign varies substantially between populations and clinical settings, and it is generally interpreted alongside other physical examination findings and electrodiagnostic testing.

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.