Elbow flexion test

Provocative test for cubital tunnel syndrome: the elbow is held in full flexion, with the wrist extended in the original description, and reproduction of paraesthesia in the ulnar distribution within the chosen time is positive. Sensitivity depends on the protocol — three minutes originally, 30 or 60 seconds in most studies and much lower at five to ten seconds; adding pressure over the nerve or shoulder internal rotation raises it substantially.

Related terms

• Condition

  Cubital tunnel syndrome

  Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow within the cubital tunnel. The second most common upper-limb compression neuropathy after carpal tunnel syndrome. Presents with paraesthesia in the small and ulnar-half of the ring finger and weakness of intrinsic hand muscles.

• Investigation

  Tinel sign

  Percussion over a peripheral nerve elicits paraesthesia in its sensory distribution; described by Jules Tinel in 1915 as a marker of regenerating axons. After nerve repair an advancing sign marks the regeneration front (about 1 mm a day distally) but does not predict functional recovery. Positive over the median nerve at the wrist, it supports a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Articles mentioning this term

1. FESSH preparation · 26 September 2026

   Clinical examination of the hand and wrist

   Hand and wrist examination for FESSH candidates: how accurate the Phalen, Tinel, scratch collapse, Elson, Watson, grind, fovea and Allen tests really are.

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