Elbow/Wrist/Hand Flashcards
What is the normal carrying angle of the elbow?
5-15 degrees
[cubitus varus = less than 5, cubitus valgus = greater than 15]
Normal ROM for elbow flexion
140-150
Normal ROM for elbow extension
0 to -5
Normal ROM for elbow supination
90
Normal ROM for elbow pronation
90
What 3 muscles are tested during elbow flexion strength testing?
Biceps brachii m.
Brachialis m.
Brachioradialis m.
What 2 muscles are tested during strength testing in elbow extension?
Triceps brachii m.
Anconeus m.
What 2 muscles are tested in elbow supination strength testing?
Supinator
Biceps brachii
What 2 muscles are tested during elbow pronation strength testing?
Pronator teres m.
Pronator quadratus m.
What nerve root is tested with biceps reflex testing?
C5
What nerve root is tested with brachioradialis reflex testing?
C6
What nerve root is tested with triceps reflex testing?
C7
What are the 3 muscle reflexes that can be tested in the upper extremity?
Biceps (C5)
Brachioradialis (C6)
Triceps (C7)
What are the dermatomes associated with the upper extremity?
C5-T1
What are the 2 primary ligaments associated with the elbow that are tested for stability?
Medial (ulnar) collateral ligament
Lateral (radial) collateral ligament
Describe the following test including positive test and what this would indicate:
Valgus stress test
Arm slightly abducted and externally rotated; forearm supinated and flexed. Slight medial directed valgus stress is applied to elbow joint
+ test = pain/tenderness with palpation and valgus stress; increased laxity
Indicates: Sprained medial (ulnar) collateral ligament
Describe the following test including positive test and what this would indicate:
Varus stress test
Arm slightly abducted and internally rotated; elbow flexed. Slight varus stress applied to elbow joint
+ test = pain or increased laxity in LCL
Indicates: Sprained lateral (radial) collateral ligament
Describe the following test including positive test and what this would indicate:
Tinel Test for ulnar nerve entrapment
Tap between the olecranon and medial epicondyle in the ulnar groove
+ test = eliciting tingling sensation down forearm within ulnar nerve distribution
Indicates: ulnar nerve entrapment/cubital tunnel syndrome
What compartment of the arm is affected in Golfer’s elbow?
What is the technical term for this condition?
Anterior forearm/flexor compartment
Medial epicondylitis
What compartment of the arm is affected in Tennis elbow?
What is the technical term for this condition?
Posterior forearm/extensor compartment
Lateral epicondylitis
Describe the following test including positive test and what this would indicate:
Golfer’s elbow test
Patient’s elbow is flexed to 90 and forearm is placed in supination with the wrist neutral and palm facing up
Examiner places one hand under proximal forearm for stabilization, the other over patient’s wrist to resist movement. Instruct patient to flex the wrist
+ test = pain/tenderness around medial epicondyle
Indicates: Medial epicondylitis
Describe the following test including positive test and what this would indicate:
Tennis elbow test
Patient’s elbow flexed to 90 and forearm is placed in pronation with wrist neutral and palm facing down
Examiner places one hand under proximal forearm for stabilization and the other hand over the patient’s hand to resist movement. Instruct patient to extend the wrist
+ test = pain/tenderness around lateral epicondyle; may radiate down lateral forearm
Indicates: Lateral epicondylitis
Where is the olecranon bursa located?
Superficial to posterior elbow joint
What condition is characterized by posterior elbow distension and discomfort due to overuse, occupational, or athletic injury?
Olecranon bursitis
Describe the pain and ROM associated with an olecranon bursitis
Region is often painless and ROM is normal
What specific problems are associated with “Little League Elbow” as they pertain to different age groups?
Childhood = medial apophysitis
Adolescence = medial epicondyle avulsion fracture
Young adulthood = medial collateral ligament tear