Ulnar-sided wrist pain: a prospective analysis of diagnostic clinical tests

Abstract

Background: Identifying the cause of pain on the ulnar side of the wrist can be challenging. The outcome and recovery following surgery can be unpredictable. The aim of this study was to document and analyse the clinical tests used to evaluate the cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain and determine their diagnostic relevance. Methods: This is a prospective evaluation of 110 patients who presented with pain on the ulnar side of the wrist. The clinical evaluation and results from radiological investigations were documented and analysed. Results: There were 17 different diagnoses. Eighty-five percent of the diagnoses were triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries, ulnocarpal abutment syndrome..