Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral neuropathy of the upper limb, caused by compression of the medial nerve at the wrist. The diagnosis can be set from medical history and clinical patient’s examination in most cases, which can be further confirmed with electromyographic diagnostic methods and provocative tests. These clinical tests are Tinel's test (tapping on the palmar side of the wrist), carpal compression test (pressure on the medical nerve), Phalen's test (wrist flexion) and hand elevation test, which all have different psychometrical characteristics. Purpose: To review literature on psychometrical characteristics (validity, specificity, sensitivity) of the clinical provocative tests for detecting carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods: In this degree paper we used a descriptive method with a systematic review of scientific literature. Articles were searched in PubMed, Researchgate, Google schooler, Springeropen and Cobiss databases. The search was limited to randomized controlled studies in both Slovenian and English language, freely accessible in full text. The search was not limited on a specific time frame. Results: Well established anamnesis and clinical examination of the patient are key for successful diagnostics in the early phase of the carpal tunnel syndrome. For establishing degree of medial nerve compression, it is recommended to use electrodiagnostic methods combined with clinical provocative tests. He literature review has shown that hand elevation test is more sensitive and specific provocative test (with 86,63% specific and 89,53% sensitive) than Phalen's and Tinel's tests. The carpal compression test has similar sensitivity and specificity than hand elevation test, while it is also the most valid test (with 89,77% validity). Discussion and conclusion: Although the Phalen's and Tinel's tests are the most frequently used for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, they are not the most sensitive, specific and valid provocative tests available. Future studies should simultaneously compare all four clinical tests on the same patient samples.
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