Elbow Pathology

Question 1

Biceps squeeze test for distal biceps tendon rupture –

Answer 1

loss of supination

Question 1

Elbow fracture

Answer 1

Common sites – olecranon, radial head, distal humerus

Common MOI – FOOSH

Most sensitive test – elbow extension test

Radial nerve palsy (high) following distal humerus fx

Question 2

Olecranon fracture =

Answer 2

Common in older/elderly adults

Non-displaced = Rx 2-3 wks immobilization combined with early motion = Excellent prognosis

ORIF:
Displaced and stable
Displaced and unstable

Question 3

Radial head fracture =

Answer 3

More common in females than males (between the ages of 20-60)

MOI – axial load on pronated forearm, direct blow, hyperflexion injury

Associated injuries: MCL, coronoid process fx, interosseous membrand and distal RUJ

Rx:
Stable fxs with early motion w/o immobilization

Displaced fxs require ORIF

Question 4

Elbow fracture – ORIF

Answer 4

ORIF can vary from excision of bony fragments, screw fixation, tension band wiring, plate fixation and bone grafting to restore congruency of the HUJ

Essential that the PT understand what was done