Execution
- 1Position the patient sitting with the forearm supported.
- 2Ask the patient to tuck the thumb inside the clenched fist.
- 3Stabilize the forearm.
- 4Passively ulnarly deviate the wrist while the thumb remains inside the fist.
- 5Record whether the patient’s familiar radial styloid pain is reproduced.
Positive outcome
Reproduction of the patient’s radial styloid pain over the first dorsal compartment is positive. Discomfort alone should be interpreted cautiously because this manoeuvre can provoke pain in asymptomatic wrists. The pain target is the APL / EPB tendon region, not generalized wrist pain.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goubau et al. (2014) | NA | 89 | 14 | 1.03 | 0.79 |
| Wu et al. (2018) | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
CommentEichhoff is commonly mislabeled as Finkelstein. Goubau reported high sensitivity but very poor specificity compared with WHAT, which means a positive Eichhoff test is weak evidence on its own. Use it as a quick provocation but confirm with history, palpation, and a more specific test where possible.
Low Clinical Value