Understanding the Weber Two-Point Discrimination Test Assessment
To assess the **functional status of the nerve and nerve endings** in the hand by measuring the density of cutaneous innervation (sensory function).
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is sitting. Hand is supported, palm up.
What happens?
The examiner uses a caliper or standardized discriminator with two points and touches the skin (usually fingertip pulp). The patient is asked whether they feel **one point or two points**. The distance between the two points is decreased until the patient can no longer distinguish two points.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
An inability to reliably distinguish two points at a distance of **less than 6mm** (normal two-point discrimination) or a significant difference compared to the unaffected side.
Helpful Tip:
The test is crucial for assessing recovery after nerve injury or repair. A discrimination of >10-15mm is often considered protective sensation loss.
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.