Phalen's test in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome

The wrist flexion test of Phalen has been studied in 127 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and 20 control subjects, all of whom also had nerve conduction studies. There was a statistically significant relationship between the severity of electrical changes and the probability of a positive Phalen's test. However 34% of patients had a negative test and 20% of control subjects a positive one.