Understanding the Elbow Extension Sign Assessment
A screening test used to rule out an **intra-articular fracture** (e.g., radial head or olecranon) in an acutely injured elbow.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is standing or sitting.
What happens?
The patient is asked to actively and completely **extend their elbow**.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
The patient is **unable to achieve full elbow extension** (loss of the last 5-10° of extension).
Helpful Tip:
The test has high sensitivity. An elbow that can achieve full extension is highly unlikely to have a fracture, though it cannot rule out other soft tissue injuries.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other elbow Tests
Wartenberg's Sign
To test for **Ulnar Nerve palsy/weakness**, specifically of the Palmar Interossei, which leads to unopposed abduction of the little finger.
Beighton Score
To quantify **generalized joint hypermobility** (laxity) across the body, which can be a predisposing factor for elbow instability or other injuries.
Elbow Flexion Test
To provoke symptoms associated with **Cubital Tunnel Syndrome** (ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow).
Elbow Quadrant Tests
A generalized term for assessing the **end-feel and range of motion** of the elbow joint in flexion and extension, often used to assess stiffness or loose bodies.