MSK - Elbow Examination

Question 1

VIVA

What is Golfers elbow?

Answer 1

Pain on MEDIAL side

Common flexor origin – just distal to medial epicondyle

Pain and tenderness at the medial epicondyle (medial epicondylitis)
The pain is worse on grasping objects and forearm rotation

Question 2

What is Tennis elbow?

Answer 2

Pain on lateral side

Common extensor origin – just distal to lateral epicondyle

Question 3

VIVA

What are some differentials of elbow pain?

Answer 3

• Arthritis
• Olecranon bursitis
• Radial tunnel syndrome
• Golfers elbow
• Tennis elbow
• Pain radiating from the shoulder or wrist
• Cervical root entrapment

Question 4

VIVA

Please can you name two ligaments in the elbow?

Answer 4

The four main ligaments of the elbow are:
* Lateral/radial collateral ligament (lateral side)
* Medial/ulnar collateral ligament (medial side)
* Annular ligament (head of radius to radial notch of ulna)
* Quadrate ligament (neck of radius to radial notch of ulna

Question 5

VIVA

What is the most common fracture to affect the elbow?

Answer 5

Supracondylar humeral fracture
This often occurs in children due to the growth plate
Usually happens when they fall onto an outstretched hand
Often a transverse fracture
Ischaemia and damage to the nerves may happen as a result

Question 6

How is valgus force applied to the elbow joint?

Answer 6

To apply a vaLgus force, press on the Lateral side of the joint

Question 7

How is varus force applied to the elbow joint?

Answer 7

To apply a varus force, press on the medial side of the joint

Question 8

What is the name for an increased carrying angle?

Answer 8

Cubitus valgus

This is MORE than 15 degrees

Question 9

What is the name for a decreased carrying angle?

Answer 9

Cubitus varus (‘gunstock’ deformity) = reversed angle)

This is LESS than 5 degrees.

Question 10

VIVA

How does cubital tunnel syndrome present on elbow examination?

Answer 10

paraesthesia in ulnar nerve distribution

Question 11

Which structures should you palpate in an elbow examination?

Answer 11

Palpate medial epicondyle
Palpate around ulnar nerve behind medial epicondyle
Palpate olecranon process
Palpate lateral epicondyle
Palpate radial head & radio-capitellar joint Palpate biceps tendon in antecubital fossa

Question 12

What is Cozen’s test?

Answer 12

Resisted wrist extension

For lateral (extensor) epicondylitis = Tennis elbow

Question 13

Describe tennis and golfer’s elbow

Answer 13

Question 14

How to test for Golfer’s elbow?

Answer 14

Question 15

How to test for tennis elbow?

Answer 15