Epicondylitis Test (Polk’s Test)

Lateral Epicondylitis
Anatomical Movement: Active forearm flexion in pronation holding an object.
Testing position: Patient is standing, grasping an object (<2.5 kg) with the palm in pronation. Attempt to actively lift an object flexing the elbow is performed:
Expected Findings: Test considered positive with the reproduction of a sudden pain or discomfort along the lateral aspect of the elbow in the region of the lateral epicondyle.

Medial Epicondylitis
Anatomical Movement: Active forearm flexion in supination holding an object.
Testing position: Patient is standing, grasping an object (<2.5 kg) with the palm in supination. Attempt to actively lift an object flexing the elbow is performed.
Expected Findings: Test considered positive with the reproduction of a sudden pain or discomfort along the medial aspect of the elbow in the region of the medial epicondyle.