SPEC Chiropractic Practice Exam

This scenario is measuring recognition of lateral epicondylitis, a tendinopathy of the common extensor tendon at the lateral elbow. Gripping increases load on the wrist extensors, and a positive resisted wrist extension test directly stresses the extensor tendon, especially the extensor carpi radialis brevis. When the patient tries to extend the wrist against resistance with the elbow straight, pain at the outer elbow confirms the tendinous origin on the lateral epicondyle. Medial epicondylitis would present with pain on the inner elbow and worsens with resisted wrist flexion. Cubital tunnel syndrome involves numbness or tingling in the ulnar nerve distribution and weakness of intrinsic hand muscles, not just elbow pain with gripping. Radial tunnel syndrome causes forearm pain near the radial head and is typically provoked by forearm rotation or resisted supination, not primarily by gripping.