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The optimal duration for the wrinkle test in a clinical setting
Erez Grinbaum1, Ahmad Shahwan1, Amir Eliyahu1
1Orthopedic Department, Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel.
Scientific Reports
|May 25, 2022
Summary
The wrinkle test for digital nerve injuries may need up to 40 minutes for a positive result. Standard 30-minute tests risk false negatives in 25% of patients with nerve lacerations.
Area of Science:
- Hand surgery
- Neurology
- Clinical diagnostics
Background:
- Digital nerve lacerations can impair hand function.
- The wrinkle test is a clinical tool to assess nerve regeneration.
- Standard protocols for the wrinkle test duration vary.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the time to a positive wrinkle test result after digital nerve repair.
- To evaluate the adequacy of the standard 30-minute test duration.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 20 patients with digital nerve lacerations.
- Wrinkle test performed up to 2 months post-surgery.
- Comparison between injured and uninjured fingers.
Main Results:
- Average time for a positive wrinkle test was 24.5 minutes.
- 25% of patients required 40 minutes for a positive result.
- A 30-minute test may yield false negatives in up to 25% of cases.
Conclusions:
- The wrinkle test may require up to 40 minutes in a clinical setting.
- Current 30-minute protocols may lead to underdiagnosis of nerve recovery.
- Extended testing time is crucial for accurate assessment of digital nerve injury recovery.
