Hoffmann-tinel-test

The HTZ is a neurological test in which symptoms in the form of paresthesia or shooting pain (Antwerpes 2024) can be induced by tapping the affected nerve (Herold 2020).

• Indications:

Carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of the median nerve), paresis of the peroneal nerve (Antwerpes 2024), anterior and posterior tarsal tunnel syndrome (Hofmann 2023) and for monitoring the progress of nerve regeneration (Antwerpes 2024).

• Procedure:

In HTZ, the injured nerve is tapped proximally. Paresthesia is observed in the distal skin area of the injured nerve. The paresthesia indicates compression or regeneration of injured nerve fibers (Turgut 2019).

• Sensitivity and specificity:

The sensitivity is generally between 49 - 84 % (Turgut 2019), in relation to carpal tunnel syndrome at 85 % (Richter 1999), the specificity between 95 - 99 % (Turgut 2019).

• Assessment:

A negative test does not rule out the disease, as the pinched nerve is compressed as axon loss progresses (Turgut 2019).

In the context of de- or remyelination, the affected area is only weakly myelinated and thus a mechanically easily irritable nerve (Antwerpes 2024).

1. Antwerpes F, Fink A, Güler I, Ostendorf N, Walensi M, Fürstenberg H (2024) Hoffmann- Tinel sign. DocCheck Flexikon. doi: https://flexikon.doccheck.com/en/Hoffmann-Tinel-Signs
2. Herold G et al (2020) Internal medicine. Herold publishing house 661
3. Hofmann G O, Marintschev I (2023) Traumatologic-orthopedic examination. Elsevier Urban and Fischer Publishers 111, 126, 192
4. Kasper D L, Fauci A S, Hauser S L, Longo D L, Jameson J L, Loscalzo J et al. (2015) Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Mc Graw Hill Education
5. Richter M, Brüser P (1999) Importance of clinical diagnostics in carpal tunnel syndrome. Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. 31 (6) 373 - 376