Elbow
Epicondylitis (Lateral)
Evidence: confirmed
Resisted Supination Test Special Test
Orthopedic Physical Examination & Clinical Assessment Guide
What is it used for?
- Differentiating Tennis Elbow from Radial Tunnel Syndrome.
How to Perform
- Position: Patient sits with elbow flexed 90° and forearm pronated.
- Action: Patient actively supinates against examiner resistance.
Interpretation of Results
- Tennis Elbow: No pain or mild pain.
- Radial Tunnel (Positive): Significant pain deep in the extensor muscle mass (distal to the epicondyle).
Clinical Context & Limitations
The Resisted Supination 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 Resisted Supination Test with complementary examination tests significantly improves overall diagnostic confidence.
References
- Magee, D. J. (2021). Orthopedic Physical Assessment.
