Mills Test is used to diagnose which condition?

• A. Medial epicondylitis
• B. Lateral epicondylitis
• C. Olecranon bursitis
• D. Distal biceps tendon rupture

Answer: (B)

This test assesses irritation of the common extensor tendon at the lateral elbow, specifically the tendon origin that becomes inflamed in lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). The maneuver stretches the extensor mechanism by keeping the elbow straight, pronating the forearm, and flexing the wrist. If a patient has lateral epicondylitis, this stretch reproduces the pain at the outside of the elbow, confirming involvement of the tendinous origin.

The other conditions don’t fit this pattern: medial epicondylitis involves the inner elbow tendons and is best reproduced by tasks stressing wrist flexion and the flexor-pronator group; olecranon bursitis presents with swelling and tenderness over the bursa at the tip of the elbow rather than focal tendon pain; distal biceps tendon rupture causes sudden weakness in elbow flexion and forearm supination with a possible deformity, not just a stretch-induced lateral elbow pain.