What does a positive Watson Test suggest?

A positive Watson Test indicates scaphoid instability, which is crucial for diagnosing certain wrist injuries. This test specifically assesses the stability of the scaphoid bone and evaluates the integrity of the ligamentous structures surrounding the wrist. During the test, the clinician palpates the scaphoid as it is stressed in different wrist positions. A positive result is characterized by a "clunk" or a noticeable shift of the scaphoid, suggesting that the bone is unstable and may not properly articulate with the surrounding carpal bones.

Understanding the significance of this test is important in the context of wrist injuries, particularly when evaluating for scapholunate dissociation or other forms of carpal instability. Recognizing that a positive result indicates a problem with scaphoid stability enables clinicians to tailor further diagnostic and treatment strategies appropriately, such as advanced imaging or specific rehabilitation protocols.