What condition is assessed using the Golfer's Elbow Test?

The Golfer's Elbow Test is specifically designed to assess medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer's elbow. This condition is characterized by inflammation and pain in the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle of the humerus, where the forearm muscles and tendons originate. The test involves palpating the medial epicondyle and having the patient perform wrist flexion, which typically reproduces the pain associated with this condition.

In the context of the test, when the examiner applies resistance or asks the patient to flex the wrist while the elbow is extended, it evaluates the integrity and function of the muscles attached to the medial epicondyle. A positive result—pain localized to the area—is indicative of medial epicondylitis.

This test does not assess ulnar nerve involvement, carpal tunnel syndrome, or lateral epicondylitis, which are associated with different anatomical structures and conditions. Ulnar nerve involvement generally pertains to issues at the elbow or wrist impacting the ulnar nerve, carpal tunnel syndrome is related to the median nerve in the wrist, and lateral epicondylitis, often referred to as tennis elbow, involves inflammation of the lateral elbow tendons, which is assessed through different tests.