College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What test assesses the presence of tendinopathy involving the forearm extensor musculature?

1. Phalen’s Test

2. Finkelstein’s Test

3. Cozen's Test

4. Speed's Test

The correct answer is: Cozen's Test

Cozen's Test is specifically designed to assess for tendinopathy involving the forearm extensor muscles, particularly the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, which is often associated with conditions like lateral epicondylitis (commonly known as tennis elbow). During this test, the patient is asked to make a fist, extend their wrist, and the examiner applies resistance while the patient tries to extend their wrist against that resistance. A positive test occurs when the patient experiences pain at the lateral epicondyle, indicating irritation or inflammation of the extensor tendons. In contrast, Phalen’s Test is utilized to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome by assessing median nerve function, while Finkelstein’s Test evaluates for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis affecting the thumb extensors. Speed’s Test primarily examines biceps tendon pathologies related to the shoulder rather than the forearm extensors. Thus, Cozen's Test is uniquely focused on the forearm extensor musculature, making it the correct choice for assessing tendinopathy in this area.