Elbow tests
Cozen´s test
Patient's position:
The patient is seated in the examination table. The specialist must stabilize your elbow while palpates the lateral epicondyle.
Action of the test:
With a closed fist, the patient extends and moves radially the forearm and then pushes the fist against the resistance exerted by the specialist.
Positive result:
Positive result: The appearance of pain in the lateral epicondyle of the humerus or muscle weakness objective, as a result of the expression of patient discomfort, may indicate the existence of lateral epicondylitis.
Golfer´s elbow test
Patient's position:
The patient is seated or standing and makes a fist of the affected side. The specialist then looks at the patient and palpates the medial epicondyle. The other hand the specialist subject the wrist of the patient.
Action of the test:
The specialist moves passively in the forearm supination and extends the elbow and wrist.
Positive result:
The symptoms of discomfort along the medial side of the elbow perhaps manifesting a medial epicondylitis.
Special considertations:
The pain along the medial epicondyle of the elbow affection perhaps also this caused by structural damage to the ulnar nerve or the ulnar collateral ligament. It is important to evaluate these structures before arriving at any detereminacion or conclusion from this single test.
Varus stress elbow test
Patient's position:
The patient is seated with the elbow flexed go to evaluate 20-30º. The specialist is standing with the distal hand around the wrist of the patient (positioned laterally) and the proximal on the elbow joint (in the medial part).
Action of the test:
Once stabilized the wrist applies pressure rod in the elbow and hand proximal.ence on it in the vara colze amb the ma proximal.
Positive result:
Compared with the elbow that is not evaluated, pain and/or increase in the movement with varus decrease or absence of end point is indicative of injury to the lateral ligaments and collateral.
Special considertations:
The specialist must avoid that the humerus turn externally or internally during the test, since this would cause the false effect of increased movement varo.
Valgus stress elbow test
Patient's position:
The patient is seated with the elbow flexed go to evaluate 20-30º. The specialist is standing with the distal hand around the wrist of the patient (placed medially) and the proximal on the elbow joint (on the side).
Action of the test:
Once stabilized the wrist applies pressure on the elbow worthwhile with the proximal hand.
Positive result:
Compared with the elbow that is not evaluated, the appearance of pain in the medial elbow and/or the absence of end point are indicative of injury mainly in the ulnar or medial ligament.
Special considertations:
The specialist must avoid that the humerus turn internally or externally during the test, since this could create a false impression of increased movement in valgus deformity.