The tennis elbow test is designed to assess pathology of which structure?

The tennis elbow test is designed to assess pathology of which structure?

• A. Extensor tendon pathology at the lateral epicondyle
• B. Flexor tendon pathology at the medial epicondyle
• C. AC joint arthritis
• D. Rotator cuff tear

Answer: (A)

The tennis elbow test targets the common extensor tendon at the lateral epicondyle. This area is where the forearm extensors, especially the extensor carpi radialis brevis, originate. Overuse can cause tendinopathy here, leading to lateral elbow pain that the test reproduces, which is why it’s used to identify tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). The other options point to different structures—flexor tendons at the medial epicondyle (golfer’s elbow), the AC joint (shoulder joint), or the rotator cuff (shoulder)—which is why they don’t fit this test.

The tennis elbow test targets the common extensor tendon at the lateral epicondyle. This area is where the forearm extensors, especially the extensor carpi radialis brevis, originate. Overuse can cause tendinopathy here, leading to lateral elbow pain that the test reproduces, which is why it’s used to identify tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). The other options point to different structures—flexor tendons at the medial epicondyle (golfer’s elbow), the AC joint (shoulder joint), or the rotator cuff (shoulder)—which is why they don’t fit this test.