Elbow
Epicondylitis (Medial)
Evidence: uncertain
Golfer's Elbow Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow).
How to Perform
- Position: Patient stands or sits.
- Action: Examiner palpates the medial epicondyle.
- Movement: Passively supinate the forearm and fully extend the elbow and wrist (stretching the flexor muscles).
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Pain is reproduced at the medial epicondyle.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Golfer's Elbow 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 Golfer's Elbow Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
