Elbow
Epicondylitis (Lateral)
Evidence: suggestive
Cozen's Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Lateral Epicondylalgia (Tennis Elbow).
How to Perform
- Position: Patient sits with the elbow extended and forearm pronated (palm down).
- Action: Patient makes a fist and actively extends/cocks the wrist backward.
- Resistance: Examiner applies resistance against the hand movement while palpating the lateral epicondyle.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Sudden, sharp pain over the lateral epicondyle.
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Cozen's Test should be considered as one component of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. No single special test has perfect diagnostic accuracy; thus, clinical decision-making should integrate test results with patient-reported symptoms, mechanism of injury, functional impairment, and relevant imaging.
Clinicians should be aware of potential false-positive results in patients with pain sensitisation, muscle guarding, or poor relaxation. For the Elbow region, combining the Cozen's Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
