Elbow
Epicondylitis (Lateral)
Evidence: uncertain
Polk's Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Differentiating Lateral Epicondylitis from other lateral elbow pain.
How to Perform
- Position: Patient sits in a chair.
- Step 1: Patient lifts a weight (approx 2.5 kg) with the forearm pronated (palm down).
- Step 2: Patient lifts the same weight with the forearm supinated (palm up).
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Pain is provoked during the pronated lift but is absent or significantly less during the supinated lift.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Polk's 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 Polk's Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
