Ulnocarpal Stress Test

What is the "Ulnocarpal Stress Test" used for?

• Also known as Nakmura’s Ulnar Stress Test.
• ulnar-sided wrist pathology (e.g., ulnocarpal abutment syndrome [i.e., ulnar impaction syndrome], TFCC injuries, lunotriquetral injuries, or arthritis)

How to perform the "Ulnocarpal Stress Test"?

• The patient sits with the test elbow at 90°, neutral forearm rotation and maximum ulnar deviation of the wrist. 
• The examiner applies an axial load while passively supinating and pronating the ulnarly deviated wrist

What is the positive result?

• A positive Ulnocarpal Stress Test is indicated by reproduction of the patient’s familiar pain, particularly when localized to the ulnar side of the wrist, with increased discomfort during the loading and rotation phases.