J. F. Goubau, L. Goubau, A. Van Tongel, P. Van Hoonacker, D. Kerckhove, B. Berghs (2013).The wrist hyperflexion and abduction of the thumb (WHAT) test: a more specific and sensitive test to diagnose de Quervain tenosynovitis than the Eichhoff’s Test. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2014 Mar; 39(3): 286–292. Published online 2013 Jan 22. doi: 10.1177/1753193412475043
“The WHAT test is performed as follows: the wrist is hyperflexed and the thumb abducted in full MP and IP extension, resisted against the therapist’s index finger. Exacerbation of the symptomatology is considered a positive test result”.
The Skinny- When choosing a provocative test for De Quervain’s disease (De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Test), therapists in the past have typically chosen from two popular tests; Eichoff’s test and Finkelstein’s test. The latter often being confused with the first. This study compares Eichoff’s test to a new test called The Wrist Hyperflexion and Abduction of the Thumb test (wrist hyperabduction test – WHAT). The study included 100 patients experiencing de Quervain tendinopathy between the years 2007-2010.
In The Weeds-Each patient underwent the Eichoff’s test and the WHAT test in random order by two experienced hand surgeons (test for de quervain’s tenosynovitis). Each provocative testing procedure was carried out in the same sequence to ensure consistency. Patients who tested positive under either test were sent for X-ray and ultrasonography to confirm the diagnosis of de Quervains.
Results: Ninety-three ultrasounds were positive and seven were negative. The accuracy of Eichoff’s test was .84 while the accuracy of the WHAT test was .94, suggesting that the latter performs better overall in establishing the correct diagnosis. The WHAT test also produced a better sensitivity at .99 and specificity at .29.
Bring it Home- A new test known as the WHAT test was developed due to the controversy associated with the accuracy of Eichoff’s test, and also the need for a more patient-friendly test for use in daily practice. This study found the WHAT test to be superior in all categories. This may be due in part to the specific mechanics of the WHAT test, positioning the anatomy in a way to accurately detect even the earliest symptoms.
This study was transparent about their methodology and had well thought out methods including sequence protocols for each provocative test for consistency, random order, and a large sample size. Using ultrasound technology to confirm the results of the in-clinic provocative testing provides a reliable diagnosis for comparison. Detailed explanations of the WHAT test were also provided along with pictures and illustrations of the anatomy, showing the superior mechanism of the test.
2 Comments
Leave a Comment
More To Read
7 Tips to Help your Patients Manage Hand Osteoarthritis
Introduction Osteoarthritis in the hands can be frustrating and debilitating. As a form of degenerative joint disease, it causes stiffness, pain, swelling, and reduced grip strength—making daily tasks like writing, opening jars, and typing feel exhausting. Fortunately, there’s a proven holistic approach centered on hand therapy for arthritic hands. This includes tailored exercises, targeted splinting,…
Our Favorite Mallet Finger Splints
By: Josh MacDonald Fabricating a custom splint for a mallet finger injury is challenging. Fingers are tiny and they have small tolerances for errors and adjustments with custom splints. Making a splint for a mallet finger injury is probably the hardest type of finger splint for a therapist to make. Treatment recommendations vary, with some…
Stretching After Stroke for Spasticity
Rapid Review By: Mikayla Murphy Kerr, L., Jewell, V. D., & Jensen, L. (2020). Stretching and splinting interventions for post stroke spasticity, hand function, and functional tasks: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74, 7405205050. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.029454 The Skinny This study focused on the benefits of stretching the upper extremity to decrease spasticity, increase…
Comparing Edema and Lymphedema: Understanding the Differences and Treatment Approaches in Hand Therapy
Comparing Edema and Lymphedema: Understanding the Differences and Treatment Approaches in Hand Therapy As hand therapists we often encounter patients presenting with swollen arms, hands, and/ or fingers, often attributing these symptoms to various conditions. Two commonly confused terms in this area are “edema” and “lymphedema.” While both involve swelling, they have distinct causes, presentations,…
Sign-up to Get Updates Straight to Your Inbox!
Sign up with us and we will send you regular blog posts on everything hand therapy, notices every time we upload new videos and tutorials, along with handout, protocols, and other useful information.
I am looking forward to performing this test along with the Eichoff’s test. I think that if both are positive then it provides the physician with more information at their next MD appointment. I find that this diagnosis is often missed with my wrist sprain/strain patients.
Thank you for this information.
Nice post, I really appreciate you for sharing this informative post. Thanks