Elbow exam Flashcards
How should the pt be positioned?
Standing facing you with their arms by their side in the anatomical position.
What are you looking for on general inspection?
Support slings
Elbow braces
What are you looking for on inspection of the elbow joint?
Anterior aspect:
- carrying angle (normal 5-15 deg)
- cubitus valgus (carrying angle >15 deg)
- cubitus varus (carrying angle <15 deg)
- scars
- swelling
- erythema
Lateral aspect:
- fixed flexion deformity (from previous trauma or muscular spasticity)
- scars
- muscle wasting
Posterior aspect:
- rheumatoid nodules
- psoriatic plaques or olecranon bursitis
- scars
- swelling
- deformity
What do you need to palpate for?
Assess temperate of the joint on anterior and posterior aspect -compare bilaterally.
Palpate:
- Radial head
- Radiocapitellar joint
- Lateral epicondyle of the humerus
- Olecranon
- Medial epicondyle of the humerus
- Biceps tendon (ask pt to bend/flex their arms 90 deg)
What movements do you need to do in elbow examination?
Do both active and passive movement of elbow:
- flexion (bend elbow upwards)
- extension (bend the elbow back down or straighten it)
- pronation (elbow in 90 deg and ask to turn their forearm so that the palm is facing the ground)
- supination (elbow in 90 deg and ask to turn their forearm so that the palm is facing the ceiling)
What special tests are there for the elbow?
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
What is medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) test?
Ask pt to have their arm 90 deg and make a fist.
Place your hand on the elbow joint and wrist.
Ask pt to push their wrist (flex) against your force.
Positive test:
- pain felt over the medial epicondyle
What is lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) test?
Ask pt to have their arm 90 deg and make a fist.
Place your hand on the elbow joint and wrist.
Ask pt to push their wrist down (extend) against your force.
Positive test:
- pain felt over the lateral epicondyle
