Resisted wrist extension for assessment of lateral epicondylitis

With the elbow flexed at 90 degrees, the forearm is firmly grasped. The patient is asked to make a "light" fist and then to extend the wrist against the resistance of the examiner's second hand. As this maneuver is performed, the examiner should emphasize the relationship of the wrist motion to the aggravation of elbow pain. The diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis is highly suggested by lateral epicondylar tenderness to palpation plus elbow pain aggravated by resisted wrist extension.