What does a positive tennis elbow test indicate?

What does a positive tennis elbow test indicate?

• A. Pain at lateral epicondyle indicates extensor tendinopathy.
• B. Pain at medial epicondyle indicates flexor tendinopathy
• C. Numbness indicates nerve entrapment
• D. No pain indicates healthy tendons

Answer: (A)

A positive tennis elbow test points to extensor tendinopathy at the lateral epicondyle. This test loads the common extensor tendons, especially the extensor carpi radialis brevis, at their origin on the outside of the elbow. Reproduced pain there indicates tendinous irritation or degeneration—the classic finding in tennis elbow. Pain at the medial epicondyle would suggest flexor tendinopathy (golfer’s elbow) rather than tennis elbow. Numbness would imply a nerve issue rather than tendon damage, and no pain would suggest the tendons are not the source of symptoms. Remember, a positive test supports the diagnosis but should be considered alongside other findings and, if needed, further assessment.

A positive tennis elbow test points to extensor tendinopathy at the lateral epicondyle. This test loads the common extensor tendons, especially the extensor carpi radialis brevis, at their origin on the outside of the elbow. Reproduced pain there indicates tendinous irritation or degeneration—the classic finding in tennis elbow.

Pain at the medial epicondyle would suggest flexor tendinopathy (golfer’s elbow) rather than tennis elbow. Numbness would imply a nerve issue rather than tendon damage, and no pain would suggest the tendons are not the source of symptoms. Remember, a positive test supports the diagnosis but should be considered alongside other findings and, if needed, further assessment.