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Finkelstein's test: a descriptive error that can produce a false positive
1Orthopaedic Service, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Journal of Hand Surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|August 1, 1992
Summary
An error in performing Finkelstein's test has been present in medical literature for 30 years. This error can lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery due to false-positive results.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Finkelstein's test is a common diagnostic procedure.
- An error in the established methodology has been identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe an error in the performance of Finkelstein's test.
- To highlight the potential diagnostic and therapeutic consequences of this error.
Main Methods:
- Review of medical literature over the past three decades.
- Analysis of the standard Finkelstein's test procedure.
Main Results:
- A specific error in performing Finkelstein's test has been consistently reported in textbooks and journals.
- This error can lead to false-positive results.
Conclusions:
- The persistent error in Finkelstein's test performance can result in incorrect diagnoses.
- Reliance on erroneous results may lead to inappropriate surgical interventions.