Fact · Accessibility and health
47percent sensitivity
In a 2008 study of 232 patients with carpal tunnel symptoms, Phalen's test had a sensitivity of 47 percent for carpal tunnel syndrome, against 92 percent for tenosynovitis.
Checked against its source on October 16, 2026
In the source's own words
“Sensitivity of Tinel's, Phalen's, Reverse Phalen's and carpal tunnel compression tests was higher for the diagnosis of tenosynovitis than for the diagnosis of CTS (Tinel, 46% vs. 30%; Phalen's, 92% vs. 47%; Reverse Phalen's, 75% vs. 42%; carpal tunnel compression test, 95% vs. 46%).”
Clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome: old tests-new concepts, Yasser El Miedany et al., Joint Bone Spine, 2008, Results.
Open the original (DOI 10.1016/j.jbspin.2007.09.014)- What it measures
- The study used the American Academy of Neurology criteria as its diagnostic standard, and compared the provocative tests with nerve conduction studies and ultrasound.
- What it does not show
- Sensitivity for carpal tunnel syndrome is much lower in this study than in the 2004 systematic review, which found 68 percent. A test that picks up the condition only part of the time can still miss it, so a negative result does not rule carpal tunnel out.