Understanding the Tinel's Test (at the Elbow) Assessment
To assess for irritation, regeneration, or entrapment of the **Ulnar Nerve** at the elbow (**Cubital Tunnel Syndrome**).
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is sitting or standing with the elbow slightly flexed.
What happens?
The examiner gently and repeatedly **taps over the ulnar nerve** in the cubital tunnel (the groove between the olecranon and the medial epicondyle).
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Reproduction of **paresthesia (tingling) or electric shooting pain** in the ulnar nerve distribution (ring and little fingers) distal to the point of tapping.
Helpful Tip:
Tapping a compressed or irritated nerve causes the distal paresthesia.
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
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.
Cozen's Test
To detect **Lateral Epicondylitis** (Tennis Elbow), which is tendinopathy of the **Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB)** origin.
Mill's Test
To detect **Lateral Epicondylitis** (Tennis Elbow) by passively stressing the common extensor tendon origin.
Valgus Stress Test (Elbow)
To assess the integrity of the **Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL)** (Medial Collateral Ligament), which resists valgus forces.