Elvey Test (Upper Limb Tension Test) Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Screening for Cervical Radiculopathy or Peripheral Nerve Entrapment in the arm.
How to Perform
- Technique: A sequence of movements to stretch specific arm nerves (similar to a Straight Leg Raise for the arm).
- Median Nerve Bias (ULTT1): Shoulder depression + Abduction (110°) + Wrist/Finger Extension + Supination + Elbow Extension.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Reproduction of arm symptoms that change when the patient tilts their head (sensitizing maneuver).
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 97% (Excellent screening test)
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Elvey Test (Upper Limb Tension 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 Spine region, combining the Elvey Test (Upper Limb Tension Test) with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Orthofixar.
