Froment sign: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Froment's sign | |||
| image = [[File:Froment's_sign.jpg|left|thumb|Froment's sign]] | |||
| caption = Demonstration of Froment's sign | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| pronounce = | |||
| specialty = [[Neurology]], [[Orthopedics]] | |||
| symptoms = Difficulty pinching with the thumb, compensatory thumb flexion | |||
| complications = | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| types = | |||
| causes = [[Ulnar nerve palsy]] | |||
| risks = | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical examination | |||
| differential = [[Carpal tunnel syndrome]], [[Radial nerve palsy]] | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = Address underlying nerve issue | |||
| medication = | |||
| prognosis = Depends on cause | |||
| frequency = | |||
| deaths = | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|Clinical sign of ulnar nerve dysfunction}} | {{Short description|Clinical sign of ulnar nerve dysfunction}} | ||
'''Froment's sign''' is a clinical test used to assess the function of the [[ulnar nerve]], particularly its innervation to the [[adductor pollicis]] muscle. This sign is named after the French neurologist Jules Froment. | '''Froment's sign''' is a clinical test used to assess the function of the [[ulnar nerve]], particularly its innervation to the [[adductor pollicis]] muscle. This sign is named after the French neurologist Jules Froment. | ||
==Clinical Significance== | ==Clinical Significance== | ||
Froment's sign is primarily used to detect [[ulnar nerve palsy]], which can result from various conditions such as [[cubital tunnel syndrome]], [[Guyon's canal syndrome]], or trauma to the elbow or wrist. The ulnar nerve is responsible for innervating several muscles in the hand, including the adductor pollicis, which is crucial for thumb adduction. | Froment's sign is primarily used to detect [[ulnar nerve palsy]], which can result from various conditions such as [[cubital tunnel syndrome]], [[Guyon's canal syndrome]], or trauma to the elbow or wrist. The ulnar nerve is responsible for innervating several muscles in the hand, including the adductor pollicis, which is crucial for thumb adduction. | ||
==Test Procedure== | ==Test Procedure== | ||
To perform the test, the patient is asked to hold a piece of paper between the thumb and index finger, using a lateral pinch grip. The examiner then attempts to pull the paper away. In a normal response, the patient will maintain the grip using the adductor pollicis muscle, which is innervated by the ulnar nerve. | To perform the test, the patient is asked to hold a piece of paper between the thumb and index finger, using a lateral pinch grip. The examiner then attempts to pull the paper away. In a normal response, the patient will maintain the grip using the adductor pollicis muscle, which is innervated by the ulnar nerve. | ||
==Positive Froment's Sign== | ==Positive Froment's Sign== | ||
A positive Froment's sign is indicated by the patient's inability to maintain the grip with the thumb flat against the index finger. Instead, the patient compensates by flexing the thumb's interphalangeal joint, using the [[flexor pollicis longus]] muscle, which is innervated by the [[median nerve]]. This compensatory action is due to weakness or paralysis of the adductor pollicis muscle. | A positive Froment's sign is indicated by the patient's inability to maintain the grip with the thumb flat against the index finger. Instead, the patient compensates by flexing the thumb's interphalangeal joint, using the [[flexor pollicis longus]] muscle, which is innervated by the [[median nerve]]. This compensatory action is due to weakness or paralysis of the adductor pollicis muscle. | ||
==Associated Conditions== | ==Associated Conditions== | ||
Froment's sign is often associated with conditions that affect the ulnar nerve, including: | Froment's sign is often associated with conditions that affect the ulnar nerve, including: | ||
* [[Cubital tunnel syndrome]] | * [[Cubital tunnel syndrome]] | ||
* [[Guyon's canal syndrome]] | * [[Guyon's canal syndrome]] | ||
* [[Ulnar nerve entrapment]] | * [[Ulnar nerve entrapment]] | ||
* [[Trauma]] to the elbow or wrist | * [[Trauma]] to the elbow or wrist | ||
==Differential Diagnosis== | ==Differential Diagnosis== | ||
While Froment's sign is indicative of ulnar nerve dysfunction, it is important to differentiate it from other conditions that may affect hand function, such as: | While Froment's sign is indicative of ulnar nerve dysfunction, it is important to differentiate it from other conditions that may affect hand function, such as: | ||
* [[Carpal tunnel syndrome]] | * [[Carpal tunnel syndrome]] | ||
* [[Radial nerve palsy]] | * [[Radial nerve palsy]] | ||
* [[Cervical radiculopathy]] | * [[Cervical radiculopathy]] | ||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
Management of a positive Froment's sign involves addressing the underlying cause of ulnar nerve dysfunction. Treatment options may include: | Management of a positive Froment's sign involves addressing the underlying cause of ulnar nerve dysfunction. Treatment options may include: | ||
* [[Physical therapy]] | * [[Physical therapy]] | ||
* [[Occupational therapy]] | * [[Occupational therapy]] | ||
* [[Surgical intervention]] for nerve decompression | * [[Surgical intervention]] for nerve decompression | ||
* [[Splinting]] to prevent further nerve damage | * [[Splinting]] to prevent further nerve damage | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Ulnar nerve]] | * [[Ulnar nerve]] | ||
* [[Cubital tunnel syndrome]] | * [[Cubital tunnel syndrome]] | ||
* [[Guyon's canal syndrome]] | * [[Guyon's canal syndrome]] | ||
* [[Nerve conduction study]] | * [[Nerve conduction study]] | ||
[[Category:Medical signs]] | [[Category:Medical signs]] | ||
[[Category:Neurology]] | [[Category:Neurology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:37, 6 April 2025
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| Froment's sign | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | |
| Specialty | Neurology, Orthopedics |
| Symptoms | Difficulty pinching with the thumb, compensatory thumb flexion |
| Complications | |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | |
| Causes | Ulnar nerve palsy |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Carpal tunnel syndrome, Radial nerve palsy |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Address underlying nerve issue |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | Depends on cause |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | |
Clinical sign of ulnar nerve dysfunction
Froment's sign is a clinical test used to assess the function of the ulnar nerve, particularly its innervation to the adductor pollicis muscle. This sign is named after the French neurologist Jules Froment.
Clinical Significance[edit]
Froment's sign is primarily used to detect ulnar nerve palsy, which can result from various conditions such as cubital tunnel syndrome, Guyon's canal syndrome, or trauma to the elbow or wrist. The ulnar nerve is responsible for innervating several muscles in the hand, including the adductor pollicis, which is crucial for thumb adduction.
Test Procedure[edit]
To perform the test, the patient is asked to hold a piece of paper between the thumb and index finger, using a lateral pinch grip. The examiner then attempts to pull the paper away. In a normal response, the patient will maintain the grip using the adductor pollicis muscle, which is innervated by the ulnar nerve.
Positive Froment's Sign[edit]
A positive Froment's sign is indicated by the patient's inability to maintain the grip with the thumb flat against the index finger. Instead, the patient compensates by flexing the thumb's interphalangeal joint, using the flexor pollicis longus muscle, which is innervated by the median nerve. This compensatory action is due to weakness or paralysis of the adductor pollicis muscle.
Associated Conditions[edit]
Froment's sign is often associated with conditions that affect the ulnar nerve, including:
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Guyon's canal syndrome
- Ulnar nerve entrapment
- Trauma to the elbow or wrist
Differential Diagnosis[edit]
While Froment's sign is indicative of ulnar nerve dysfunction, it is important to differentiate it from other conditions that may affect hand function, such as:
Management[edit]
Management of a positive Froment's sign involves addressing the underlying cause of ulnar nerve dysfunction. Treatment options may include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Surgical intervention for nerve decompression
- Splinting to prevent further nerve damage
