Examination Of The Elbow Flashcards
What are the flexors of the elbow ?
Biceps brachii, brachialis, bracoradialis
What are the extensor of the elbow ?
Triceps brachii, anconeus muscles
What are the pronator of the elbow ?
Pronator quadratus and teres
What are the supinators of the elbow ?
Supinator and biceps brachii.
What do you inspect on the dorsal side of elbow ?
Position of epicondyle / olecranon :
- Hueter’s line in extension
- Hueter’s triangle in flexion
—> disappear in case of fracture, dislocation, degeneration leading to loss of bone/cartilage
What do you inspect in the ventral side of the elbow ?
Degree of valgus and varus between upper arm and forearm.
- abnormal carrying angle : congenital, associated with fracture/dislocation
- carrying angle increase in age particularly in female
What are the movement of the elbow ?
Flexion and extension
- humeroradial and humeroulnar joint
Pronation and supination :
- proximal and distal radioulnar joint, humeroradial and humeroulnar joint
What do you palpate in the elbow ?
Medial epicondyle
Olecranon
Lateral epicondyle
Head of radius
Radial tuberosity and aponeurosis : insertion of biceps brachii
What are the specific test of the elbow ?
Lateral epicondylitis : tennis elbow
Medial epicondylitis : golfer’s elbow
Stability test :
- valgus and varus
Extension test : if patient can fully extend the elbow fracture is unlikely and x-ray isn’t needed
What is lateral epicondylitis ?
Local tendinitis of the extensor tendon of the wrist especially extensor carpi radialis brevis.
Test : isometric extension of wrist, middle finger, passive flexion of wrist
In practice palpation is the most important.
What is medial epicondylitis ?
Exact cause unclear. Problem with flexion.
Pressure pain found 1-2 cm distal to medial condyle.
Test : isometric flexion of wrist and passive extension
