Elbow & forearm: examination tests with their numbers
13 tests from the book, each with the published accuracy figures that exist for it, and what a positive and a negative result mean.
- Biceps crease interval (BCI)LR+ 8.9 · LR− 0.21 · Best used to rule in
- Chair sign (push-up apprehension test)LR+ not calculable · LR− not calculable · Not enough published figures to judge
- Cozen's testLR+ not shown (see note) · LR− not shown (see note) · Not enough published figures to judge
- Elbow extension testLR+ 1.88 · LR− 0.06 · Best used to rule out
- Elbow flexion–compression testLR+ 1.02 · LR− 0.98 · A weak test on its own
- Grip strength difference ≥10% (elbow extended vs flexed)LR+ 7.8 · LR− 0.24 · Best used to rule in
- Hook testLR+ 15.71 · LR− 0.3 · Best used to rule in
- Lateral pivot shift (apprehension) testLR+ not calculable · LR− not calculable · Not enough published figures to judge
- Maudsley's testLR+ not shown (see note) · LR− not shown (see note) · Not enough published figures to judge
- Milking manoeuvreLR+ 5.1 · LR− 0.28 · Best used to rule in
- Mills' testLR+ not calculable (specificity 100%) · LR− 0.47 · Treat with caution
- Moving valgus stress testLR+ 3.94 · LR− 0.02 · Best used to rule out
- Tinel's sign (at the elbow)LR+ 1.32 · LR− 0.72 · A weak test on its own
Get the book for deciding which elbows need an X-ray after a fall, and whether the distal biceps is torn
These pages give the published figures. Rule It In, Rule It Out adds, for every test with published figures in the chapter ‘The elbow’: how to do it, what counts as positive, how to read the result, and, where studied, whether combining 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.