Elbow Special Test

Question 1

Mill’s Test

Answer 1

Tests for: lateral epicondylitis (passive)

Seated. Palpate lateral epicondyle. PROM into wrist flexion and elbow extension

Positive: sudden, severe pain at lateral epicondyle.

Palpate 3 areas of CET to pinpoint lesions.

Question 2

Method 3

Answer 2

Tests for: lateral epicondylitis (ECRB specific)

Apply RROM to middle finger (taking out of extension)

Positive: sudden, severe pain at lateral epicondyle. Palpate 3 CET locations to pinpoint lesion

Question 3

Medial epicondylitis test

Answer 3

Tests for: medial epicondylitis (passive)

Seated. Palpate medial epicondyle. Passively move limb into supination, elbow extension, wrist extension.

Positive: sudden and severe pain over medial epicondyle

Question 4

Valgus stress test

Answer 4

Tests for: MCL instability

Flex elbow to 20-30°
Stabilize elbow with outer hand. Grasp distal to elbow with inner hand. Apply valgus force distal to elbow while palpating ligament.

Positive: pain at MCL. Recreation of pain. Excessive movement.

Question 5

Varus stress test

Answer 5

Tests for: lateral collateral ligament instability

Flex elbow to 20-30°
Outer hand grasps distal to elbow, inner hand stabilizes elbow and palpates ligament. Apply varus force distal to forearm.

Positive: pain at LCL. Recreation of symptoms. Excessive movement

Question 6

Tinel’s Sign

Answer 6

Tests: ulnar nerve regeneration – point of regeneration.

Elbow flexed to 90°. Palpate ulnar groove. Strong tapping over groove.

Positive: tingling sensation in ulnar nerve distribution.

Question 7

Pronator Teres Syndrome Test

Answer 7

Tests for: median nerve compression by pronator teres

Elbow flexed to 90°. Passively extend elbow; Resist therapist attempt to push into supination.

Positive: tingling or paresthesia in median nerve distribution in forearm and hand.

DDx: carpal tunnel sx

Question 8

Cozens Test

Answer 8

Tests for: lateral epicondylitis (resisted)

Seated. Palpate lateral epicondyle. Client makes fist, pronates forearm, radially deviates and extends wrist. Resists therapist attempt to take them out of position.

Positive sign: sudden, severe pain at lateral epicondyle

Palpate 3 points of CET to pinpoint lesion.