Elbow Flexion Test
Purpose
Elbow Flexion Test is a neurological dysfunction test used to determine if there is a cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve).
Technique
- Patient position in standing or sitting.
- Have the patient actively flex their elbow fully while extending the wrist, and abducts and depresses their shoulder girdle at 90 degrees.
- Hold this position up to 3 to 5 minutes. [1]
A positive sign indicates feeling of numbness and/or tingling in the distribution area of the ulnar nerve root, but pain is not limited to the ulnar distribution.[2]
Evidence
Elbow flexion test as the sensitive of (0.32) provocative test in the diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome when combined with pressure on the ulnar nerve.[5][2]
Research was done on 25 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were tested preoperative and postoperative with 10 second elbow flexion test and 10 second shoulder internal rotation test. 80% of sensitivity in preoperative cases was in 10 second shoulder internal rotation test and 36% in elbow flexion test. This shows elbow flexion test as less sensitivity than shoulder internal rotation test.[6]
The elbow flexion test, based on the study of Rayan GM et all, determined to be a useful, reliable, and provocative test for patients with cubital tunnel syndrome.[7]
Resources
References
- ↑ Rosati M, Martignoni R, Spagnolli G, Nesti C, Lisanti M. Clinical validity of the elbow flexion test for the diagnosis of ulnar nerve compression at the cubital tunnel. Acta Orthop Belg. 1998;64(4):366-370. Last accessed: 2025 Jan 17
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Buehler MJ, Thayer DT. The elbow flexion test. A clinical test for the cubital tunnel syndrome. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1988;(233):213-216. Last accessed: 2025 Jan 17
- ↑ Elbow Flexion Test for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. Ccedseminars. Available from: https://youtu.be%7CmF3bUpeQfzs
- ↑ Ulnar Nerve, Clinical Examination - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim. nabil ebraheim. Available from: https://youtube%7CPTpUzXdBvpo
- ↑ Novak CB, Lee GW, Mackinnon SE, Lay L. Provocative testing for cubital tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Am. 1994;19(5):817-820. doi:10.1016/0363-5023(94)90193-7
- ↑ Ochi K, Horiuchi Y, Tanabe A, Morita K, Takeda K, Ninomiya K. Comparison of shoulder internal rotation test with the elbow flexion test in the diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Am. 2011;36(5):782-787. doi:10.1016/j.jhsa.2010.12.019
- ↑ Rayan GM, Jensen C, Duke J. Elbow flexion test in the normal population. J Hand Surg Am. 1992 Jan;17(1):86-9. doi: 10.1016/0363-5023(92)90119-a. PMID: 1538117. Last accessed: 2025 Jan 17