Elbow
Neurological (Nerve Entrapment)
Evidence: suggestive
Tinel's Sign (Elbow) Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulnar Nerve).
How to Perform
- Action: Lightly tap (percuss) the ulnar nerve in the groove behind the medial epicondyle.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Tingling/paresthesia in the ulnar distribution (4th and 5th fingers).
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 70%
- Specificity: 98%
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Tinel's Sign (Elbow) 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 Tinel's Sign (Elbow) with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
