Tinel's sign is used clinically to track nerve regeneration. It is elicited by:

• A Compression of the nerve proximal to the suspected lesion to localise the level of injury
• B Passive stretching of the nerve by limb positioning to localise a neuroma
• C Vibration applied at 256 Hz tuning fork to assess large fibre sensory function
• D Light percussion over the nerve trunk distally; tingling/paresthesia at the percussion site indicates the advancing front of regenerating axons ✓

Explanation

Tinel's sign is elicited by gentle percussion with the fingertip along the course of a nerve from distal to proximal. The presence of tingling or electric shock-like paresthesia at the percussion site indicates the most distal location of regenerating immature (unmyelinated, mechanosensitive) axon sprouts. Sequential monthly assessments show proximal-to-distal advancement of the sign, confirming progressive regeneration at approximately 1 mm/day. The absence of advancing Tinel's sign suggests regeneration has stalled (neuroma or surgical repair failure).

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.