Special Orthopedic Tests : Elbow

Question 1

Ligamentous Valgus Instability Test

Answer 1

Process :
1. Examiner stabilizes client’s arm with one hand at elbow, and applies abduction/valgus force at distal forearm with the other hand
+ve Sign : Laxity, altered pain
+ve Indicates : Ulnar collateral ligament sprain

Question 2

Ligamentous Varus Instability Test

Answer 2

Process :
1. Examiner stabilizes client’s arm with one hand at elbow, and applies adduction/varus force at distal forearm with the other hand
+ve Sign : Laxity, altered pain
+ve Indicates : Radial collateral ligament sprain

Question 3

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow or Cozen’s) Test (Method 1)

Answer 3

Process :
1. Client’s elbow stabilized by examiner’s thumb at lateral epicondyle
2. Client asked to make a fist, pronate forearm, radially deviate & extend wrist against examiner’s resistance
+ve Sign : Sudden severe pain at lateral epicondyle
+ve Indicates : Lateral epicondylitis
Notes : Tennis elbow

Question 3

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow or Mill’s) Test (Method 2)

Answer 3

Process :
1. Examiners palpates client’s lateral epicondyle & passively pronates forearm, fully flexes wrist & extends elbow
+ve Sign : Pain at lateral epicondyle
+ve Indicates : Lateral epicondylitis

Question 3

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow or Maudsley’s) Test (Method 3)

Answer 3

Process :
1. Examiner resist extension of the 3rd digits, distal to PIP joint while palpating lateral epicondyle
+ve Sign : Pain at lateral epicondyle
+ve Indicates : Lateral epicondylitis

Question 3

Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow) Test

Answer 3

Process :
1. Examiner palpates medial epicondyle & passively supinates forearm, extends elbow & wrist
+ve Sign : Pain at medial epicondyle
+ve Indicates : Medial epicondylitis