Tinel sign
Clinical test involving percussion over a nerve to elicit tingling in its distribution, indicating nerve pathology.
Full Definition
The Tinel sign is a clinical examination technique used to detect nerve pathology by percussing over the course of a peripheral nerve to elicit tingling or electric shock-like sensations in the nerve's distribution. Named after French neurologist Jules Tinel, this sign can be positive in various nerve compression syndromes, nerve injuries, or during nerve regeneration. In hand surgery, the Tinel sign is commonly tested at the carpal tunnel (median nerve), Guyon's canal (ulnar nerve), and over the superficial branch of the radial nerve. A positive sign may indicate nerve compression, inflammation, or regeneration after injury. The advancing Tinel sign, where the point of maximum sensitivity moves distally over time, suggests nerve regeneration following repair. While useful, the test can have false positives and should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings.
Usage
Usage note: Named sign should be capitalized; specify anatomical location where test is performed and nerve distribution affected.
In Context
- "A positive Tinel sign over the carpal tunnel supported the diagnosis of median nerve compression." — Physical examination note
- "The advancing Tinel sign suggested successful median nerve regeneration following repair." — Follow-up assessment