Tinel's sign and Phalen's test in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Tinel's sign and Phalen's test are two provocative tests used in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. A review of the literature reveals a wide range of sensitivity for these tests. Analyzing the historical data and comparing these to the Tinel's sign and Phalen's test results of 100 individuals without carpal tunnel syndrome (200 wrists), we conclude that the Tinel's sign is not useful in the evaluation of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, whereas Phalen's test, which has a greater sensitivity and specificity, can be of use.