Hand Elevation Test for Assessment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Hand Elevation test is a new provocative test for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. We have investigated the sensitivity and specificity of this test in 48 patients with a clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome and compared it to Tinel's and Phalen's tests. The Hand Elevation test was found to be 88% sensitive and 98% specific. This test is a simple, reproducible provocative test which is easily employed in conjunction with other known tests to assist in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.