Understanding the Polk's Test (Hook Test) Assessment
An obsolete or rarely used test, often confused with the **Hook Test** (which assesses the biceps tendon). Assuming the user intended Hook Test for Biceps integrity.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is sitting. Elbow is flexed to 90° and the forearm is supinated.
What happens?
The examiner attempts to hook their index finger under the distal biceps tendon, just lateral to the antecubital fossa.
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
The **absence of a palpable tendon cord** or an inability to 'hook' the tendon, indicating a distal biceps tendon rupture.
Helpful Tip:
The ability to hook the tendon rules out a complete rupture of the distal biceps tendon.
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 Extension Sign
A screening test used to rule out an **intra-articular fracture** (e.g., radial head or olecranon) in an acutely injured elbow.
Elbow Flexion Test
To provoke symptoms associated with **Cubital Tunnel Syndrome** (ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow).