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

Which condition is indicated by pain when palpating the lateral aspect of the elbow?

1. Tendinopathy

2. Fracture

3. Joint dislocation

4. Ligament sprain

The correct answer is: Tendinopathy

Pain when palpating the lateral aspect of the elbow is typically indicative of tendinopathy, particularly conditions such as tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). This condition arises from repetitive strain or overuse of the wrist extensors, leading to microtears in the tendons where they attach to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. The palpation of the area often elicits pain due to inflammation and irritation of these tendons. Tendinopathy is characterized by localized pain that can be reproduced with specific activities or pressure over the affected tendons. This distinguishes it from other conditions that may not present with such localized tenderness or may manifest differently based on their pathology. The palpation findings are significant for diagnosing tendinopathy since they reveal the underlying degenerative changes in the tendon tissue. With conditions such as fractures, joint dislocations, and ligament sprains, the pain may not be as localized or may present with additional signs such as swelling, deformity, or a more generalized pain response that does not solely revolve around the lateral aspect of the elbow. Thus, tendinopathy remains the most consistent diagnosis for pain during palpation in this specific area.