Elbow Complaint Flashcards
List some things you should palpate
Olecranon, medial and lateral epicondyles, cubital fossa, radial head while pronating and supinating
Elbow flexion
145
Elbow extension
0 to negative 5
Elbow pronation and supination
90
Radial head subluxation
Annular ligament slips out of radial head
Radial head subluxation is common in
Children
How will a child with a radial head subluxation hold their arm?
Close to body, slightly flexed and pronated
Another name for radial head subluxation
Nursemaid’s elbow
Another name for medial epicondylitis
Golfer’s elbow
Medial epicondylitis
Overuse, pain and inflammation of flexor tendons at medial epicondyle
Another name for lateral epicondylitis
Tennis elbow
Lateral epicondylitis
Overuse, pain and inflammation of extensor tendons at lateral epicondyle
Another name for olecranon bursitis
Student’s elbow
Olecranon bursitis
Inflammation of olecranon bursa that causes pain and swelling of posterior elbow
If one is able to fully extend their arm they likely have?
Olecranon bursitis
If one is not able to fully extend their arm they likely have?
Effusion present as well
What is the Varus stress test testing for?
Radial (lateral) collateral ligament sprain
Describe the setup for the Varus stress test
Arm slightly abducted and flexed and IR, apply a lateral force testing for pain or laxity at the elbow joint
What is the Valgus stress test testing for?
Ulnar (medial) collateral ligament sprain
Describe the setup for the Valgus stress test
Arm slightly abducted, flexed, supinated, ER, and apply a medial force testing for pain or laxity at the elbow joint
How do you test for medial epicondylitis?
Arm fully extended and resist their wrist flexion
(+) = pain at medial epicondyle
How do you test for lateral epicondylitis?
Arm fully extended and resist their wrist extension
(+) = pain at lateral epicondyle
What is the Tinel test testing for?
Ulnar nerve entrapment or cubital tunnel syndrome
Describe the Tinel test
Tap between the olecranon and medial epicondyle
(+) = tingling down forearm in pattern of ulnar nerve
Radial head pronated
Radial head is posterior
Radial head supinated
Radial head is anterior
If a radial head is pronated, what OMT could you do?
MET or ART
- Supinate into the RB and then resist their pronation
If a radial head is supinated, what OMT could you do?
MET or ART
- Pronate into the RB and then resist their supination
What type of fall could cause a posterior radial head?
On to pronated hands
What type of fall could cause an anterior radial head?
On to supinated hands
