Tinel's sign at the elbow suggests the presence of neuropathy in which nerves?

• A. Median nerve
• B. Ulnar or Radial nerve
• C. Musculocutaneous nerve
• D. Axillary nerve

Answer: (B)

Tinel's sign is a test that reproduces tingling by tapping along a nerve to detect irritation or regeneration. When performed at the elbow, tapping over the ulnar nerve as it runs behind the medial epicondyle can provoke paresthesias in the ulnar nerve distribution if there’s entrapment at the cubital tunnel. Similarly, tapping near the elbow can elicit symptoms from the radial nerve or its branches that pass through or near the elbow. Because the elbow region is a common site of ulnar and radial nerve entrapment, a positive Tinel’s sign at the elbow points to neuropathy in those nerves. The musculocutaneous and axillary nerves don’t travel through the elbow in a way that this tapping test reliably screens, so their involvement is unlikely with a positive elbow Tinel.