What condition is likely in a patient with elbow pain aggravated by wrist dorsiflexion against resistance?

The presence of elbow pain that is aggravated by wrist dorsiflexion against resistance strongly suggests lateral epicondylitis, commonly referred to as "tennis elbow." This condition occurs due to overuse of the extensor muscles of the forearm, particularly the extensor carpi radialis brevis, which originate from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

When a patient performs wrist dorsiflexion against resistance, it activates the extensor muscles. If these muscles are inflamed or degenerated due to repetitive strain, the patient will experience pain at the lateral aspect of the elbow. This symptom is characteristic and helps differentiate lateral epicondylitis from other conditions that may present with elbow pain.

Medial epicondylitis involves pain on the medial side of the elbow and is aggravated by wrist flexion against resistance, not dorsiflexion. An elbow sprain primarily involves ligamentous injury and might present with pain and swelling, but it does not have the specific correlation to wrist dorsiflexion. Carpal tunnel syndrome relates to median nerve compression and presents with symptoms in the hand rather than localized elbow pain. Thus, the mechanics and the specific site of pain make lateral epicondylitis the most likely diagnosis in this