Scratch Collapse Test
(Redirected from Elbow scratch collapse test)
Other Names
- Scratch-collapse Test
- Scratch Collapse Test
- Elbow scratch collapse test
- Scratch Collapse Test at Elbow
Purpose
- Evaluate Cubital Tunnel and Ulnar Nerve as a cause of elbow pain
Description
- The patient is either seated standing, elbows at their side
- Patient is asked to externally rotate, abduct forearms against resistance
- Examiner then scratches along the course of the ulnar nerve at the elbow
- The resistant force is then reapplied
- Positive test:
- Momentary loss in the ability to externally rotate against the examiner
Pathology
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Although classically considered for cubital tunnel syndrome, the scratch collapse test can be positive in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome as well.
Evidence
- Montgomery et al[2]
- Using electrodiagnostic criteria as reference standard
- Sensitivity: 10%
- Specificity: 90%
- Cheng et al[3]
- Sensitivity: 69%
- Specificity: 89%
- Cheng et al[3]
- Sensitivity: 64%
- Specificity: 82%
See Also
References
- ↑ Davidge, Kristen M., et al. "The “hierarchical” Scratch Collapse Test for identifying multilevel ulnar nerve compression." Hand 10.3 (2015): 388-395.
- ↑ Montgomery, Kate, Gerald Wolff, and Kirsty U. Boyd. "Evaluation of the scratch collapse test for carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome—a prospective, blinded study." The Journal of hand surgery 45.6 (2020): 512-517.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Cheng, Christine J., et al. "Scratch collapse test for evaluation of carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome." The Journal of hand surgery 33.9 (2008): 1518-1524.
Created by:
John Kiel on 30 December 2019 17:40:00
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Last edited:
10 July 2025 17:52:17
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