ThumbDiagnostic Algorithm

Diagnostic Flowchart: Thumb

Follow the algorithm step by step. Click on options to navigate through the decision tree.

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start

Thumb Pain Assessment

Full Algorithm Overview

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Thumb Pain Assessment

→ q_trauma_thumb
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Acute injury to thumb?

Yes → q_uclNo → q_base_pain
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Forced abduction injury? Instability with valgus stress?

Yes → d_gamekeeperNo → q_bennett
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Gamekeeper's / Skier's Thumb

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Axial loading injury? Pain at thumb base? Intra-articular fracture?

Yes → d_bennettNo → d_other_thumb_injury
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Bennett's Fracture

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Other Thumb Injury

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Pain at base of thumb? Positive grind test? Difficulty with pinch?

Yes → d_cmc_oaNo → q_dequervain_thumb
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1st CMC Osteoarthritis

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Pain over radial styloid? Positive Finkelstein test?

Yes → d_dequervain_thumbNo → q_trigger_thumb
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De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

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Thumb locking/catching?

Yes → d_trigger_thumbNo → d_other_thumb
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Trigger Thumb

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Consider other causes