Elbow Examination

Question 1

Observation

Answer 1

Carrying angle
Arm position/ posture - valgus and varus
Swelling
Bruising
Muscle bulk
Joint above and below
Finger deformities - rheumatoid arthritis or fixed flexion (duputren’s contracture)

Question 2

Palpation

Answer 2

Joint lines
Common extension origins - lateral epicondyle
Common flexor origins - medial epicondyle
Biceps origin - supraglenoid tubercles and coracoid process
Brachioradialis
Ulnar nerve - cubital/ ulnar groove

Question 3

Active range of motion

Answer 3

Flexion - palms facing up and inwards
Extension
Pronation
Supination

Question 4

Passive range of motion

Answer 4

Flexion
Extension
Pronation
Supination

Question 5

Isometrics

Answer 5

Flexion
Extension
Pronation
Supination

Question 6

AP radio-humeral joint

Answer 6

Patients forearm in supination and rested on a pillow or towel
Find head of radius
With your thumbs or palm of your hand push down onto the radius

Question 7

PA radio-humeral joint

Answer 7

Patients forearm in pronation and rested on a pillow or towel
Find head of radius
With your thumb push down onto the radius

Question 8

Mill’s test

Answer 8

Pronating the patients forearm
Fully flex the wrist
Extend the elbow fully