Elbow
Epicondylitis (Lateral)
Evidence: uncertain
Maudsley's Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Diagnosing Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow).
How to Perform
- Position: Patient sits with the forearm pronated.
- Action: Examiner resists extension of the 3rd digit (middle finger) only.
Interpretation of Results
- Positive Test: Pain at the lateral epicondyle (this specifically stresses the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis muscle).
Diagnostic Accuracy
- Sensitivity: 88%
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Maudsley'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 Maudsley's Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
- Orthofixar | Maudsley Test
