Shoulder Orthopaedic Test: Upper Limb Tension Tests (ULTTs) - 2b

Upper Limb Tension Test (ULTT) - 2b is also known as the elbow extension test. It is used to assess neural tension and identify nerve-related disorders that may cause pain and limited movement in the upper limb. The test involves passively moving the patient's arm and elbow into extension while simultaneously stretching the radial nerve, which runs from the neck down to the hand.

Here is the step-by-step procedure for ULTT-2b:

1. Ask the patient to lie down in a supine position with the shoulder abducted to 90 degrees and elbow flexed to 90 degrees.
2. Ask the patient to turn their head to the opposite side of the affected arm.
3. Stabilize the patient's shoulder with one hand and support the elbow with the other hand.
4. Slowly extend the elbow while maintaining the shoulder abduction to 90 degrees.
5. Observe any pain, discomfort, or tingling sensation in the patient's arm, forearm, or hand.
6. If there is no discomfort, extend the wrist and fingers while maintaining elbow extension.
7. Observe any pain or discomfort.
8. Return the arm to the starting position.

A positive test is indicated by the presence of pain, discomfort, or tingling sensation along the radial nerve distribution in the arm, forearm, or hand during the test.

The normal result of the Upper Limb Tension Tests (ULTTs) - 2b is the absence of symptoms or reproduction of symptoms during the test, which indicates that the test is negative.

References:

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