Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Elbow Strength

🎬
Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Test elbow flexion and extension and forearm pronation and supination against resistance, comparing sides. Stabilize the arm and apply steady resistance, grading the strength and noting any pain or give-way weakness.

How to Interpret

Showing 3 of 7 findings

Cervical Radiculopathy

Weak elbow extension (triceps) on manual muscle testing
Rule in
InconclusiveWide CI
Rule out
Not helpful
Evidence:Limited
Weak elbow flexion (biceps) on manual muscle testing
Rule in
InconclusiveWide CI
Rule out
Not helpful
Evidence:Limited

Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture

Weakness of resisted forearm supination
Rule in
Not helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
InconclusiveWide CI
Evidence:Limited

References

Research in progress on one or more findings above; ratings may change.

  • Zwerus EL, van Deurzen DFP, van den Bekerom MPJ, The B, Eygendaal D. Distal biceps tendon ruptures: diagnostic strategy through physical examination. Am J Sports Med. 2022;50(14):3956-3962. doi:10.1177/03635465221129874. PMID 36349931. PMC9729971.
  • Wainner RS, Fritz JM, Irrgang JJ, Boninger ML, Delitto A, Allison S. Reliability and diagnostic accuracy of the clinical examination and patient self-report measures for cervical radiculopathy. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2003 Jan 1;28(1):52-62. doi:10.1097/00007632-200301010-00014. PMID 12544957.
  • Yoss RE, Corbin KB, MacCarty CS, Love JG. Significance of symptoms and signs in localization of involved root in cervical disk protrusion. Neurology. 1957;7(10):673-683. PMID: 13477342.
  • van Riet RP, Morrey BF, Ho E, O'Driscoll SW. Surgical treatment of distal triceps ruptures. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003;85(10):1961-1967. doi:10.2106/00004623-200310000-00015. PMID 14563805.
  • Stone J, Warlow C, Sharpe M. The symptom of functional weakness: a controlled study of 107 patients. Brain. 2010 May;133(Pt 5):1537-1551. doi:10.1093/brain/awq068. PMID 20395262.
  • Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
  • Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Research last updated September 10, 2026.

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Shoulder Strength
Rule in:HInfraspinatus Tear, SHSupraspinatus Tear, IEBrachial Plexopathy +3 more
Rule out:HSupraspinatus Tear, NHInfraspinatus Tear, IEBrachial Plexopathy +3 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Biceps Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Biceps jerk
Rule in:VHPeripheral Neuropathy, SHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy +2 more
Rule out:MHPeripheral Neuropathy, NHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy +2 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Brachioradialis Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Supinator jerk
Rule in:NHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy
Rule out:NHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Hand Strength
Rule in:MHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome, NHMalnutrition, IEBrachial Plexopathy +3 more
Rule out:SHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome, ICMalnutrition, IEBrachial Plexopathy +3 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Triceps Deep Tendon Reflex
aka Triceps jerk
Rule in:NHCervical Radiculopathy
Rule out:ICCervical Radiculopathy
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Cervical Spine Active Range of Motion
Rule in:NHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy, IECervical Spondylosis
Rule out:NHCervical Radiculopathy, IECervical Myelopathy, IECervical Spondylosis