Elbow
Neurological (Nerve Entrapment)
Evidence: confirmed
Elbow Flexion Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Provocative test for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.
How to Perform
- Action: Patient fully flexes the elbow with wrist extended and holds for 3 to 5 minutes.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Tingling or numbness in the ulnar distribution within 5 seconds to 5 minutes.
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 75%
- Specificity: 99%
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Elbow Flexion Test should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Elbow region, combining the Elbow Flexion Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
