Crepitus from the Fingers of Alcoholics (Quinquaud's Sign) [Il Crepitio delle Falangi negli Alcoolisti (Segno di Quinquaud)]. (Riv. di Patol. Nerv. e Ment., vol. x, fasc. II.) Perazzolo, S.

Extract

Quinquaud's sign, which is said to be idiopathic of chronic alcoholism, was the subject of a short and interesting paper by Aubry in the Archives de Neurologie (deuxième sérieto, me xi, 1901). It is elicited as follows: The physician fully extends his hand, palm upwards. The hand of the subject of the examination is held parallel to and above this, dorsum upwards. The patient is directed to flex his three middle fingers and press them perpendicularly against the physician's palm. The three fingers should be separated, the middle one slightly behind the other two; steady pressure should be made. After a moment or two there is a crackling sensation conveyed to the examiner's palm from the patient's fingers as if crepitus were present. This tactile sensation is perhaps best to be compared to the rub experienced in pleurisy or dry arthritis.