Tinel's sign – significance, mechanism, and diagnostic application: A Literature Review

Abstract The Hoffmann-Tinel sign, commonly referred to as Tinel’s sign, is a time-honored, non-invasive clinical test used to assess the function of peripheral nerves. First described in 1915, it remains widely employed in neurology, neurosurgery, and orthopedics for diagnosing compressive neuropathies and monitoring nerve regeneration. The sign is elicited by mechanical stimulation of a damaged or regenerating nerve, which evokes ectopic impulses perceived as tingling or electric shock-like sensations in and along the nerve’s sensory distribution. This review explores the physiological basis, technique, and diagnostic applications of Tinel’s sign in conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, and post- traumatic nerve injuries. Although limited by variability in sensitivity and specificity, subjective interpretation, and the absence of standardized protocols, Tinel’s sign remains a cost-effective and clinically valuable component of neurological assessment. When interpreted alongside electrodiagnostic studies and imaging, it contributes to early diagnosis, localization of pathology, and tracking of nerve recovery. Future research should focus on standardizing evaluation methods and assessing the potential integration of Tinel’s sign into AI-supported diagnostic systems.