Elbow tests

Question 1

Elbow orthopedic tests

Answer 1

Lateral epidconylitis:
– cozens
– mills

Medial epicondylitis:
– reverse cozens
– reverse mills

Varus/valgus stress test

Question 2

Cozens

Answer 2

Looks for:
– lateral epicondylitis

+VE:
– sudden severe pain on lateral side of arm
– also puts stress on the radial nerve and stress to the radial nerve can bring up similar symptoms

— these symptoms may be reproduced with palpation over the radial nerve and common extensor tendon

How:
– pt seated, pt elbow stabilised by examiner
– pt actively make fist, pronate the arm and radially deviate
– pt extends wrist while examiner resists the motion

Question 3

Reverse cozens

Answer 3

Looks for:
– medial epicondylitis

+VE:
– sudden severe pain on the medial side of the humerus near elbow

How:
– pt seated, pt elbow stabilised
– pt actively make a fist, supinate arm and ulnar deviate
– pt flexed wrist and examiner resists the motion

Question 4

Mills

Answer 4

Looks for:
– Lateral epicondylitis
—- designed to stretch maximally the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis

+VE:
– pain or weakness on the outside of the elbow

How:
– stabilise elbow while palpating the lateral epicondyle
– pt pronate arm, flex wrist
– passively extend the pt’s elbow

Question 5

Reverse mills

Answer 5

Looks for:
– medial epicondylitis

+VE:
– pain or weakness on the inside of the elbow

How:
– stabilise pt elbow while palpating the medial epicondyle
– supinate pt forearm, extend pt wrist
– passively extend the pt’s elbow

Question 6

varum/valgus stress test

Answer 6

Looks for:
– damage to medial and lateral ligaments of the elbow

+VE:
– excess movement or pain

How:
– accessory movement