Elbow Flexion Compression Test
Other Names
- Elbow Flexion Compression Test
- Flexion Compression Test Elbow
- Elbow Flexion Test
- Flexion Compression Test for Elbow
- Elbow Flexion Test
- Cubital Tunnel Compression Test
- Elbow Flexion Test with Pressure Provocation
- Ulnar Nerve Compression Test at the Elbow
Purpose
- Evaluate Cubital Tunnel and Ulnar Nerve as a cause of elbow pain
Description
- Patient is seated or standing
- Arm is abducted
- Patient holds elbow in maximal flexion while examiner holds pressure at the cubital tunnel
- Hold for approximately 3 minutes
- Positive test
- Reproduces paresthesia along the distribution of the ulnar nerve
Modification
- The patient is placed in the same position which they hold
- The examiner does not apply pressure to the cubital tunnel
Modification
- Not well described in the literature
- Examiner adducts the patients elbow
- Maximally flexes with pressure anterior and posterior
Pathology
Evidence
Elbow Flexion Test without Compression
- Beekman et al[3]
- Sensitivity: 61%
- Specificity:40%
- Positive Predictive Value: 72%
- Negative Predictive Value: 29%
See Also
References
- ↑ Graf, Alexander, et al. "Modern Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Evidence and Controversy." Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online 5.4 (2023): 547-560.
- ↑ Almoallim, Hani, et al. "Approach to Musculoskeletal Examination." Skills in Rheumatology (2021): 17-65.
- ↑ Beekman, Roy, et al. "The diagnostic value of provocative clinical tests in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow is marginal." Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 80.12 (2009): 1369-1374.
Created by:
John Kiel on 30 December 2019 17:35:31
Authors:
Last edited:
13 October 2025 23:17:33
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