In order to evaluate the usefulness of provocative tests (wrist-flexion
test, nerve-percussion test, and tourniquet test) in the diagnosis of
carpal tunnel syndrome, the results of provocative testing were evaluated
in a group of patients (sixty-seven hands) with electrodiagnostically
proved carpal-tunnel syndrome and in a group of fifty control subjects. The
sensitivity and specificity of each test were calculated. The wrist-flexion
test was found to be the most sensitive while the nerve-percussion test,
although least sensitive, was most specific. The tourniquet test was quite
insensitive and not very specific, and should not be used as a routine
screening test in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.