Elbow Lab

Question 1

elbow joint play types

Answer 1

humeroradial
humeroulnar
proximal radioulnar: AP/PA

Question 2

humeroulnar traction

Answer 2

stabilize humerus w hand
mobilizing hand on inside of forearm on ulna
pull dorsal and distal

Question 3

humeroradial traction

Answer 3

stabilize humerus
palpate joint line
grab radius and apply distal traction
can rotate body away

Question 4

proximal radioulnar PA glide

Answer 4

improves supination
stabilize distal wrist w arm at side
use lumbrical grip with thumb on dorsal radius
PA force

Question 5

proximal radioulnar AP glide

Answer 5

improve pronation
pt thumb towards ceiling
thumb pads over anterior radial head
support forearm w body

Question 6

elbow extension test

Answer 6

purpose: identify fracture after trauma
position: seated/standing
action: pt fully extends elbows
positive: unable to fully extend elbow after trauma

Question 7

valgus stress test

Answer 7

purpose: ulnar collateral ligament sprain
position: seated, 20 deg elbow flexion
action: stabilize humerus from outside, forearm on distal inside forearm, apply valgus force
positive: laxity/pain

Question 8

varus stress test

Answer 8

purpose: radial collateral ligament instability
position: seated, elbow 20 flexion
action: stabilize humerus from inside, hand on lateral forearm, apply varus force
positive: pain/laxity

Question 9

moving valgus test

Answer 9

purpose: partial ulnar collateral ligament
position: seated, ahldr abd 90, full elbow flexion
action: quickly extend elbow to 30 flexion with valgus stress in full ER
positive: sudden medial elbow pain which is worse in 120-170 arc

Question 10

Popeye sign

Answer 10

purpose: biceps rupture of long head
position: elbow ext –> flexion
action: flex elbow
positive: distal bunching, loss of biceps function

Question 11

lateral epicondylalgia testing

Answer 11

Mill’s
Mandley’s
Cozen’s

Question 12

Mill’s test

Answer 12

purpose: lateral epicondylalgia, stretch extensor carpi radialis brevis
position: seated, forearm full pronation/wrist flexion
action: palpate lateral epicondyle, passive extend elbow
positive: pain at lateral epicondyle

Question 13

Maudley’s test

Answer 13

purpose: lateral epicondylalgia, stress extensor digitorum
position: seated, arm on table with palm down
action: resisted 3rd finger extension distal to proximal IP joint while palpating lateral epicondyle
positive: pain at lateral epicondyle

Question 14

elbow function test

Answer 14

purpose: cubital tunnel syndrome - compression of ulnar nerve
position: seated or standing, max elbow flexion/supination/wrist extension
action: maintain for 3 min, bring pinkies together
positive: pain/N/T in ulnar n distribution

Question 15

pronator teres syndrome test

Answer 15

purpose: pronator teres syndrome, identify median n compression
position: handshake position, start flexed elbow
action: pt resists pronation while extending elbow
positive: pain/N/T in forearm/hand

Question 16

pinch grip test

Answer 16

purpose: median n/anterior interosseous n compression
position: ok sign thumb to 2nd finger
action: should be able to hold paper and resist force without losing grip
positive: weakness

Question 17

elbow mob for extension

Answer 17

posterior glide to proximal ulna
concave ulna - convex humerus
position: supine, pronated forearm, 7p shldr abd