Elbow Special Tests

Question 1

What are the 4 special tests for the elbow? (2 Ligamentous Stability - 2 Epicondylitis)

Answer 1

1. VARUS STRESS TEST
2. VALGUS STRESS TEST
3. GOLFER’S ELBOW TEST (MEDIAL EPICONDYLITIS)
4. TENNIS ELBOW TEST (LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS)

Question 2

How is the Varus Stress Test for the elbow performed?

Answer 2

Px HIGH SEATED
+
SHOULDER and ELBOW FLEXED 20°, FOREARM SUPINATED
+
Tx HANDS: ONE BELOW LATERAL ELBOW, UPPER HAND ABOVE ELBOW
+
APPLY VARUS PRESSURE TO TEST LCL

Question 3

How is the Valgus Stress Test for the elbow performed?

Answer 3

Px HIGH SEATED
+
SHOULDER and ELBOW FLEXED 20°, FOREARM SUPINATED
+
Tx HANDS: ONE BELOW MEDIAL ELBOW, UPPER HAND ABOVE ELBOW
+
APPLY VALGUS PRESSURE TO TEST MCL

Question 4

How is the Golfer’s Elbow Test performed?

Answer 4

Px FOREARM SUPINATED, WRIST SLIGHTLY FLEXED
+
Tx PALPATES MEDIAL EPICONDYLE
+
Tx RESISTS Px ATTEMPT TO FLEX THEIR WRIST

+ = sudden severe pain in the common flexor tendon

Question 5

How is the Tennis Elbow Test Performed?

Answer 5

Px SHOULDER FLEXED 20°, ELBOW FULLY EXT
+
Tx PALPATES LATERAL EPICONDYLE
+
Px MAKES FIST, PRONATES FOREARM, and SLIGHTLY EXTENDS WRIST
+
Tx RESISTS Px ATTEMPT TO EXTEND THEIR WRIST

+ = sudden severe pain in the common extensor tendon