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Elsons Test

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Other Names

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Clinical example of Elson's Test[1]
Elson test for boutonniere deformity[2]
Modified Elson's Test[2]
  • Elson Extensor Tendon Test
  • Elson's Test
  • Elson Test
  • Elsons Test
  • Finger Extension Test
  • Extensor Hood Rupture Test
  • Central Slip Integrity Test
  • Central Slip Extensor Test
  • Boutonniere Deformity Test
  • PIP Joint Central Slip Test
  • Extensor Mechanism Test
  • Elson Maneuver

Purpose

  • Evaluate integrity of extensor tendon following PIPJ or DIPJ dislocation

Description

  • Patient is seated
  • Their hand is resting on table with affected finger flexed to 90° at the PIPJ over the edge of the table
  • Patient attempts to extend finger at PIP joint against resistance
  • Positive test:
    • Weakness, suggests central slip extensor tendon injury

Modified Elson's

  • Place the injured digit and its normal counterpart in full proximal interphalangeal flexion
  • With the dorsum of each middle phalanx firmly against each other.
  • Positive test
    • The injured side has visibly better distal interphalangeal (dip) extension than the uninjured counterpart

Pathology

Evidence

  • Unknown

See Also

References

  1. ↑ Image courtesy of orthofixar.com, "Elson Test"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Merritt, Wyndell H., Alison L. Wong, and Donald H. Lalonde. "Recent developments are changing extensor tendon management." Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 145.3 (2020): 617e-628e.
Created by:
John Kiel on 16 August 2019 01:55:05
Authors:
Last edited:
20 October 2025 15:54:51
Category:
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