Execution
- 1Position the patient sitting with the test elbow flexed to 90°.
- 2Place the forearm in neutral rotation and the wrist in maximum ulnar deviation.
- 3Apply an axial load through the hand and wrist.
- 4Passively supinate and pronate the ulnarly deviated wrist under load.
- 5Record ulnar-sided pain, clicking, or crepitus.
Positive outcome
Pain, clicking, or crepitus at the ulnar wrist during loaded ulnar deviation is positive. Magee notes that the test can be positive with many ulnar-sided wrist pathologies, including ulnocarpal abutment, TFCC injury, lunotriquetral injury, or arthritis. It does not isolate one structure.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LaStayo & Howell (1995) — descriptive study | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
CommentThis is a broad ulnar-sided wrist provocation test. A positive result should guide further differentiation with fovea sign, DRUJ testing, lunotriquetral tests, imaging, or arthroscopy when appropriate. Because specificity is poor by design, value remains low.
Low Clinical Value