Understanding the Wrist Hyperflexion and Abduction of the Thumb (WHAT) Test Assessment
To diagnose **De Quervain's Tenosynovitis**, often considered a more sensitive alternative to the Finkelstein test.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is sitting. Forearm is pronated.
What happens?
The patient actively **hyperflexes the wrist** and then attempts to **abduct the thumb** against the examiner's resistance.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Pain is reproduced **over the radial styloid** and along the APL and EPB tendons during resisted thumb abduction.
Helpful Tip:
This maneuver isolates the stress on the APL and EPB tendons more than the classic Finkelstein test.
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.