elbow special tests

Question 1

ligamentous valgus instability test

Answer 1

tests for valgus instability

pt’s arm is stabilized at the elbow and other hand on pt’s wrist

valgus force is applied to distal forearm while palpating medial collateral ligament

note laxity, dec mobility or pain

Question 2

ligamentous varus test

Answer 2

tests for varus instab

pt elbow is slightly flex and stabilized by PT

varus force is applied to distal forearm while palpating lateral collateral ligament

normal - tense ligament
excessive laxity - 1°-3° sprain
posterolateral instab - possible c 3° sprain

Question 3

moving valgus stress test

Answer 3

pt in supine or standing

arm abd and elbow flexed fully

while maintaining valgus stress the examiner quickly extends the elbow

pain betw 120°-170° = (+) partial tear of medial collateral ligament

Question 4

cozen’s test

Answer 4

tests for lateral epicondylitis

elbow is stabilized by PT then pt asked to make a fist, pronate FA then radially deviate and ext the wrist

PT resists the motion

(+) pain on area of lateral epicondyle

Question 5

mill’s test

Answer 5

tests for lateral epicondylitis

while palpating the lateral epicondyle PT will pronate FA, flex wrist and extend the elbow

(+) pain on area of lateral epicondyle

Question 6

maudsley’s test

Answer 6

tests for lateral epicondylitis

PT resists extension of 3rd digit - stressing extensor digitorum muscle and tendon

(+) pain on area of lateral epicondyle

Question 7

elbow flexion test

Answer 7

tests ulnar nerve dysfunction

pt is asked to fully flex elbow and extension of wrist with 90° shoulder abd

hold pos for 3-5 mins

(+) tingling/paresthesia on ulnar nerve distrib

Question 8

shoulder internal (medial) rotation elbow flexion test

Answer 8

variation of elbow flexion test - add IR

symptoms should develop in less than 5 seconds

Question 9

elbow flexion compression test or cubital tunnel compression test

Answer 9

modified elbow flexion test

PT applying direct pressure over the ulnar nerve with the index and middle finger between the posteromedial olecranon and the medial epicondyle

Question 10

pinch grip test

Answer 10

pt is asked to pinch tips of index and thumb together

if unable and has pulp-pulp = (+) anterior interosseous nerve (median) pathology

Question 11

tinel sign

Answer 11

area of ulnar nerve in the groove is tapped

(+) tingling sensation in ulnar distrib of FA and hand