Test library › Elbow & forearm
Tinel's sign (at the elbow)
For: Cubital tunnel syndrome
Compression of the ulnar nerve as it passes behind the inside of the elbow (the 'funny bone'). Causes tingling or numbness in the ring and little fingers.
A weak test on its ownWhat the numbers mean
- Positive result: barely informative: a positive result changes little.
- Negative result: barely informative: a negative result changes little.
Source
Beekman R, Schreuder AH, Rozeman CA, Koehler PJ, Uitdehaag BM. The diagnostic value of provocative clinical tests in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow is marginal. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2009;80(12):1369–1374. PubMed · single study
Figures as they will appear in Rule It In, Rule It Out (Trokos, forthcoming). If a newer or better study changes them, this page changes with the book. Figures last updated from the book on 2 October 2026.
Get the book for deciding which elbows need an X-ray after a fall, and whether the distal biceps is torn
This page gives the published figures. Rule It In, Rule It Out adds how to do this test, what counts as positive, how to read the result, and, where studied, whether combining it with other tests helps.
Coming in late 2026 as a PDF and a paperback. Join the list to hear when it's out
One study, one test, once a month
Rule It In is a free evidence letter for musculoskeletal clinicians: one recent study explained, one examination test with its real numbers. From Trokos, publisher of Rule It In, Rule It Out.