Elbow
Epicondylitis (Medial)
Evidence: confirmed
Reverse Cozen 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 sits with the forearm supinated (palm up).
- Action: Patient attempts to flex the wrist against resistance.
- Stabilization: Examiner palpates the medial epicondyle.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Sharp pain at the medial epicondyle.
- Caution: Avoid excessive force to prevent compression of the pronator musculature.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Reverse Cozen 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 Reverse Cozen Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
