Durkan’s Compression Test (also known as the Median Nerve Compression Test) is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the likelihood of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). This test involves applying pressure to the median nerve at the wrist to reproduce CTS symptoms. It is a simple, quick, and non-invasive method suitable for clinical use.

Description

Durkan’s Compression Test consists of the following steps. The patient is seated with the hand in a pronated position and the wrist in a neutral position. The examiner applies steady pressure using their thumbs directly over the median nerve at the wrist (in the carpal tunnel region) for approximately 30 seconds. During the compression, the examiner observes whether the typical symptoms are reproduced, such as tingling, numbness, or pain in the fingers and palm innervated by the median nerve (thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger).

Analysis

The analysis of the test results is based on the patient’s reactions during the compression. A positive test is indicated by the presence of symptoms such as pain or paresthesia, suggesting possible compression of the median nerve and supporting a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. A negative test, where no symptoms are present, suggests that carpal tunnel syndrome is less likely, although further diagnostic tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Purpose

The main goal of Durkan’s Compression Test is to aid in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome by reproducing characteristic symptoms through median nerve compression. It helps confirm whether the patient’s reported symptoms are related to median nerve entrapment. The test provides a fast and non-invasive way to evaluate symptoms in a clinical setting.

Scoring and Reliability

The reliability of Durkan’s Compression Test is assessed by comparing its diagnostic performance with other tests for carpal tunnel syndrome. It is often compared with Phalen’s Test or Tinel’s Sign to evaluate its diagnostic accuracy. It is frequently used in combination with clinical assessment and electrodiagnostic studies to confirm the diagnosis.

References

Durkan, J. A. (1991). A new diagnostic test for carpal tunnel syndrome. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 73(4), 535–538.
Graham, B. (2008). The value added by electrodiagnostic testing in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 90(12), 2587–2593.
Hoffmann, R. A., & Krieger, L. M. (1995). Hand diagram for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Journal of Hand Surgery, 20(5), 747–752.