A positive result in the elbow flexion test would suggest which of the following conditions?

A positive result in the elbow flexion test indicates the presence of ulnar nerve compression. This test specifically assesses the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inner side of the elbow and can be subjected to compression at the cubital tunnel. During the test, the patient is asked to flex their elbow and hold it in a flexed position for a specified duration, typically about 60 seconds. If the patient experiences tingling or numbness in the ulnar nerve distribution, particularly in the ring and little fingers, this suggests irritation or compression of the nerve.

Understanding the mechanics of the elbow flexion test highlights its specificity to the ulnar nerve. In contrast, other conditions such as radial nerve injury, triceps tendonitis, or wrist sprains do not specifically correlate with the symptoms revealed through this test. Each of these conditions involves different nerve pathways or anatomical structures that do not respond positively in the same way during the elbow flexion test. Thus, the connection between a positive test result and ulnar nerve compression underscores the diagnostic utility of this specific assessment in identifying nerve-related issues in the elbow region.