Understanding the Scaphoid Shift Test (Watson Test) Assessment
To assess for instability of the **scaphoid** bone, often due to a tear of the **scapholunate ligament**.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is sitting. Examiner's thumb is placed over the volar aspect of the scaphoid.
What happens?
The examiner moves the wrist from **ulnar deviation/extension** to **radial deviation/flexion** while applying a constant **dorsal pressure** on the scaphoid tubercle with the thumb.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A painful **'clunk' or 'shift'** is felt as the scaphoid subluxates dorsally over the rim of the radius and then relocates.
Helpful Tip:
A painful clunk suggests scapholunate instability.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other Wrist/Hand Tests
Beighton Score
To quantify **generalized joint hypermobility** (laxity) across the body. The wrist/hand components assess passive joint laxity.
Bunnell-Littler Test (or Finochietto-Bunnell Test)
To differentiate between **Intrinsic Muscle tightness** (interossei and lumbricals) and **Capsular restriction** at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
This is the **condition name** (inflammation of the APL and EPB tendons), not a specific test. The Finkelstein Test is the primary diagnostic test.
Elson Test
To assess the integrity of the **Central Slip** of the Extensor Digitorum Communis (EDC) tendon, rupture of which leads to a Boutonniere deformity.