Elbow

Question 1

what are you looking for in an elbow examination

Answer 1

deformity, scars, bruising, swelling
carrying angle asymmetry
effusion - swelling over the lateral aspect of the joint
bursitis - usually over the olecranon process
gouty tophi, rheumatoid nodules, psoriatic plaques

Question 2

what bony prominences should be felt in an elbow examine

Answer 2

olecranon
lateral and medial epicondyle
radial head

also palpate between bony prominences

Question 3

what movements are involved in elbow examination

Answer 3

flexion
pronation
supination
extension - with shoulder abducted at 90 degreed and palms facing up
valgus and varus stress - test medial and lateral collateral ligaments

Question 4

what 4 special tests are involved in elbow examination

Answer 4

tinel’s test
froment’s test
test for lateral epicondylitis - tennis elbow
test for medial epicondylitis - golfer’s elbow

Question 5

describe tinel’s test

Answer 5

this involves tapping over the area located posterior to the medial epicondyle (ulnar nerve) to test for cubital tunnel syndrome

Question 6

describe froment’s test

Answer 6

this involves getting the patient to grip a piece of paper with their thumb and asking them to hold on to the paper while pulling the paper away
this tests for ulnar nerve palsy

Question 7

describe the test for lateral epicondylitis

Answer 7

palpate over the lateral epicondyle with arm pronated and index finger extended against resistance

Question 8

describe the test for medial epicondylitis

Answer 8

palpate over the medial epicondyle with arm supinated and try to flex the wrist against resistance