Elbow Special Tests

Question 1

Valgus Stress Test

Answer 1

Ligamentous Instability of Elbow
Elbow in 20-30 degrees of flexion, and apply valgus force to test medial collateral ligament while palpating the medial joint line

Question 2

Varus Stress Test

Answer 2

Ligamentous Instability of Elbow
elbow in 20-30 degrees of flexion, therapist applies a varus force to test the lateral collateral ligament while palpating the lateral join line.

Question 3

Cozen’s test

Answer 3

Lateral Epicondylitis
Palpate the lateral epicondyle while stabilizing the elbow joint, and patient makes a fist, pronates the forearm, radially deviate and extend the wrist against resistance.
Positive = pain at lateral epicondyle of muscle weakness

Question 4

Lateral epicondylitis test

Answer 4

Lateral Epicondylitis
Extend the third digit against resistance and elbow stabilized
Positive = pain in lateral epicondyle region or muscle weakness.

Question 5

Medial Epicondylitis

Answer 5

Medial Epicondylitis
Supinate forearm, extend wrist, extend elbow
Positive = pain in medial epicondyle

Question 6

Mill’s Test

Answer 6

Lateral Epicondylitis
pronate forearm, flex wrist, and extend elbow
Positive = pain in lateral epicondyle

Question 7

Elbow flexion test

Answer 7

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
fully flex both elbows while extending wrist and hold the positive for 3-5 minutes.
Positive = tingling or paresthesia in the ulnar nerve distribution of the forearm and hand

Question 8

Pinch grip test

Answer 8

Anterior interosseous nerve pathology
Pinch tips of index finger and thumb together.
Positive = pt cannot pinch tip to tip, but presses pads together

Question 9

Tinel’s sign

Answer 9

Ulnar nerve compression
tap index finger between the olecranon process and medial epicondyle.
Positive = tingling in ulnar nerve distribution