Scaphoid shift test: Step 4

While maintaining pressure with your thumb on the scaphoid tubercle, use your other hand to move the wrist into radial deviation. With an intact scapholunate ligament, the scaphoid will flex, despite the pressure, and become more prominent; there will be no clunks or significant pain in the scapholunate space. Pain as the wrist is moved into radial deviation, possibly accompanied by a clunking sensation, constitutes a positive test, and is consistent with a scapholunate ligament tear.