Wartenberg's sign

Wartenberg's sign is a neurological sign consisting of abduction of the fifth finger, caused by unopposed ulnar insertion of the extensor digiti quinti.^[1]

References

Wartenberg syndrome begins with a compression or irritation of the superficial branch of the radial nerve. This end ending controls movements of the dorsum side of the thumb and the first dorsal web space between the thumb and pointer finger. Most patient’s will experience pain or numbness in this area on the hand. Chronic compression and trauma to the nerve are main causes of Wartenberg Syndrome. Lesions on the nerve or damage to the spinal cord in this specific area could cause signs and symptoms of the syndrome. Signs of this syndrome can be associated with abduction of the finger’s away from the nerve itself. X-rays are used to identify if there are lesions or abnormalities with the nerve. Surgeries could be used to decompress the nerve ending or other approaches such as occupational therapy, limited activity and use of the hand or a steroid injection could be used decrease the pain to increase activity. http://www.eorif.com/WristHand/Wartenbergs.html