Elbow Orthopaedic Test: Elbow Flexion Test

The Elbow Flexion Test is a physical examination test that is used to evaluate the presence of cubital tunnel syndrome, which is a compression of the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel at the elbow. 

Here is the procedure for performing the Elbow Flexion Test:

1. Ask the patient to sit or lie down with their arm extended and their palm facing upward.
2. Instruct the patient to flex their elbow fully and hold the position.
3. Ask the patient to rotate their head and look away from the affected side.
4. Maintain the elbow flexion position for 60 seconds.
5. Observe the patient's response during the test. Note any numbness, tingling, or pain in the ulnar nerve distribution area (the fourth and fifth fingers) or in the forearm.
6. Repeat the test with the patient's wrist fully extended to evaluate the effect of wrist position on nerve symptoms.
7. Record your observations and document any findings.

If the patient experiences numbness, tingling, or pain in the ulnar nerve distribution area or in the forearm during the test, it may suggest the presence of cubital tunnel syndrome.

In a normal elbow, the Elbow Flexion Test should not produce any numbness, tingling, or pain in the ulnar nerve distribution area or in the forearm, regardless of whether the wrist is extended or flexed. This suggests that there is no compression of the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel.

References:

1. Magee, D. J. (2014). Orthopedic Physical Assessment-E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.
2. Seidel, H. M., Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., & Flynn, J. A. (2018). Mosby's Guide to Physical Examination. Elsevier Health Sciences.
3. Werner, R. A., & Andary, M. (2002). Carpal tunnel syndrome: pathophysiology and clinical neurophysiology. Clinical Neurophysiology, 113(9), 1373-1381.