The Mills test is a physical examination maneuver used to assess for lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow.
The test is performed to identify pain originating from the common extensor tendon at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. A positive test suggests lateral epicondylitis.
How the Mills Test is Performed
Here's how the Mills test is typically conducted:
- Patient Positioning: The patient is usually seated or standing.
- Examiner Positioning: The examiner stands in front of the patient.
- Procedure:
- The examiner palpates the lateral epicondyle with one hand to stabilize the humerus.
- The examiner pronates the patient's forearm, fully flexes the wrist, and extends the elbow.
- Alternatively, the elbow can be extended first while the forearm is pronated and the wrist is flexed.
- Positive Test: Pain at the lateral epicondyle during this maneuver indicates a positive Mills test, suggesting lateral epicondylitis.
In essence, the Mills test reproduces the stress on the wrist extensor muscles at their origin (lateral epicondyle), and if inflammation is present, it elicits pain.
