Elbow/Wrist/Hand Flashcards
What is the membrane found between the radius and ulna?
Interrossseous membrane
What is the ligament that runs at the base of the wrist and is on top of the carpal tunnel?
Transverse carpal ligament
Describe median nerve innervation.
Innervates the first 3 fingers and lateral aspect of ring finger. Involved in carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is the connective tissue on top of the carpal tunnel?
Flexor retinaculum
Describe radial nerve innervation.
Wrist and some of muscles of hand
Describe ulnar nerve innervation.
Medial aspect of ring finger and pinky finger.
Describe the pathology associated with medial epicondylitis.
Golfer’s elbow. At the medial epicondyle, where muscles attach, the common flexor tendons have become inflamed.
- repetitive trauma
- associated weakness
- limited ROM
- reduced grip strength
List the MET criteria for medial epicondylitis. (5)
- medical clearance
- minimal swelling and pain
- full passive ROM
- Full upper extremely motor function
- Sensation intact
List three key concepts for MET management of golfer’s elbow.
- increase ROM/strength in wrist flexors/extensors
- increase grip size & reduce repetitive activities
- improve forearm pronator & supinator strength and endurance
List 3 key exercises for MET management of golfer’s elbow.
- stretching of wrist flexors
- strengthening of wrist flexors
- strengthening pronators/supinators
Describe the pathology associated with lateral epicondylitis.
Inflammation of the common extensor tendon where it attaches at the lateral epicondyle. -repetitive trauma
- associated weakness
- limited ROM
- reduced grip strength
List the MET criteria for lateral epicondylitis. (4)
- medical clearance
- minimal swelling and pain
- full hand motor function
- sensation intact
List the 3 key exercises for MET management of tennis
elbow.
- stretching of wrist extensors
- strengthening of wrist extensors
- strengthening pronators/supinators
List 4 key concepts for the MET management of tennis elbow.
- manage/reduce pain
- increase ROM/strength in wrist
- increase grip size & reduce repetitive movements
- improve anterior shoulder girdle flexibility
What is the importance of pronation/supination strengthening for conditions of the elbow/wrist/hand?
Important for any injury of elbow or wrist as they become weak with all the conditions and they are really important for day to day life activities.
What is the importance of increased grip size in managing conditions of the elbow/wrist/hand?
Larger grips reduce the stress.
Describe the pathology associated with carpal tunnel
syndrome.
- median nerve compression
- weakness/numbness/tingling
- due to repetitive trauma
- nerve damage
- C-spine involvement possible (TOS)
List the MET criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome. (4)
- Fair grip and wrist strength (make fist and open it, fully flex/extend wrist)
- minimal pain
- medical clearance
- in required, client wears brace
List the three key concepts in MET management of carpal
tunnel syndrome.
- avoid repetitive activities
- use splints if prescribed
- strengthen wrist and forearm
List the three key exercises for MET management of carpal tunnel
syndrome.
- stretch anterior shoulder girdle
- strengthening of wrist/hand/forearms
- postural reinforcement
Explain the two uses of Tinel’s sign in assessment of elbow/hand
conditions.
- Wrist-flicking wrist-provokes median nerve-carpal tunnel
- elbow-tap lateral aspect of elbow-provokes ulnar nerve-ulnar nerve entrapment
Describe procedure used to perform the Phanel’s test.
Have them put the outside of their hands together and raise elbows. Hold for 30 seconds, see how long it takes for tingling to go away. Carpal tunnel.
Describe procedure used to perform the Tennis Elbow test.
Have them make a fist and push their wrist down and have them fight it. See if they have pain in the common extensor tendon.
