The scaphoid shift test
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Updated: Sep 14, 2026

Screening of Axonal Degeneration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Ultrasonography and Nerve Conduction Studies
Published on: January 11, 2019
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, N.Y.
Abstract:
The scaphoid test described by Watson has generally been accepted as the definitive test for scaphoid instability and uses pressure against the scaphoid tubercle as the wrist moves from ulnar to radial deviation for the evaluation. This article describes a stress test done with the wrist in neutral position, which actively provokes scaphoid instability. Variations in stability can be used to grade scaphoid laxity.
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