Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Tinel Test of the Elbow

🎬
Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Lightly tap (percuss) over the ulnar nerve in the groove behind the medial epicondyle of the elbow (the “funny bone”). A positive test is a tingling or electric sensation radiating into the little finger and ulnar half of the ring finger.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Tinel sign positive at the elbow
Rule in
Not helpful
Rule out
Not helpful
Evidence:Limited

References

  • Beekman R, Schreuder AH, Rozeman CA, Koehler PJ, Uitdehaag BM. The diagnostic value of provocative clinical tests in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow is marginal. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2009 Dec;80(12):1369-1374. PMID 19553231; DOI 10.1136/jnnp.2009.180844.
  • Tinel J. Le signe du “fourmillement” dans les lésions des nerfs périphériques. Presse Méd. 1915.

Related Systems / Regions

NeurologicalUpper Extremities

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Hand Strength
Rule in:MHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Neuropathy), IEUlnar Neuropathy (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)
Rule out:SHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome (Median Neuropathy), IEUlnar Neuropathy (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Lateral Epicondylitis Test
aka Cozen's test
Rule in:IELateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Rule out:IELateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Medial Epicondylitis Test
Rule in:IEMedial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)
Rule out:IEMedial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Phalen Test
Rule in:MHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome
Rule out:MHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Tinel Test of the Wrist
aka Hoffmann-Tinel sign
Rule in:SHCarpal Tunnel Syndrome
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Babinski Reflex
aka Plantar reflex
Rule in:VHUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, IEMotor Neuron Disease (ALS), IEMultiple Sclerosis +2 more
Rule out:SHUpper Motor Neuron Lesion, IEMotor Neuron Disease (ALS), IEMultiple Sclerosis +2 more