Which test is used to assess TFCC pathology?

• A. Finkelstein Test
• B. Tinel's Sign
• C. Supination Lift Test
• D. Phalen's Test

Answer: (C)

The key idea is to provoke the fibrocartilaginous structure that stabilizes the distal radioulnar joint—the TFCC—by applying a load that specifically stresses it. The supination lift test does this by placing the forearm in a fully supinated position and asking the patient to lift themselves up with the hands while the examiner stabilizes the forearm. This combines an axial load through the carpus with forearm rotation, which stresses the TFCC. If the patient reports pain on the ulna side of the wrist or a painful click during the maneuver, it suggests TFCC pathology such as a TFCC tear or degeneration.

Other tests listed assess different structures. The Finkelstein test targets the first dorsal compartment tendons (De Quervain strain). Tinel’s sign and Phalen’s test are used to screen for nerve compression at the carpal tunnel or related nerves. They don’t specifically load the TFCC, so they’re less informative for TFCC pathology compared with the supination lift test.