Cozen's test

System: Muscles, Bones & Joints Signs · All muscles, bones & joints signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

The patient makes a fist and extends the wrist against resistance with the elbow straight; pain over the outer elbow (lateral epicondyle) is positive.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with lateral epicondylitis — 'tennis elbow'.

◈ Behind the name

Lewis Cozen (1910–1990), American orthopaedic surgeon.

Browse the C section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.

Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.