The Elbow Flashcards
List 3 non-neuromusculoskeletal conditions that may refer pain to the elbow.
- Acute Myocardial Infarction
- Pancoast’s Syndrome (lung cancer causes damage to thoracic inlet / brachial plexus)
- Esophageal Motor Disorders
What are 3 symptoms of esophageal motor disorders? Why is this relevant when assessing upper extremity pain?
- difficulty swallowing
- heartburn
- chest pain
- esophageal motor disorders can cause referred elbow pain
What is Pancoast’s Syndrome? Why is this relevant in assessing upper extremity pain?
- malignant neoplasm (lung cancer) causes damage to thoracic inlet / brachial plexus
- Pancoast’s Syndrome can refer pain to the elbow
How much elbow flexion is needed to bring food to the mouth?
115°-123°
From which epicondyle of the humerus does the pronator teres muscle originate?
medial epicondyle
From which epicondyle of the humerus does the supinator muscle originate?
lateral epicondyle
What attaches to the lateral border of the ulnar tuberosity & what is its function?
- the oblique cord (thickening of supinator fascia that connects the ulnar tuberosity distally to the radial tuberosity)
- assists in limiting supination
List 3 muscles that attach to the olecranon process
- triceps brachii
- anconeus
- flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU)
Why is the radial head considered essential to elbow stability? Under what circumstances would this be especially true?
- contributes to all planes of motion
- resists valgus forces
- if collateral ligament is damaged/injured & the distal radioulnar joint is unstable, the humeroradial articulation is even more important for keeping the elbow stable
What is the optimal ROM for the radioulnar articulation?
70° pronation & 80° supination
When does the peak strain to the interosseous membrane between the ulna & radius occur?
during neutral forearm rotation
How does tension on the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) change with radioulnar motion?
- in full pronation (~70°), the anterior/volar ligament of the TFCC is taut
- in full supination (~80°), the posterior/dorsal ligament of the TFCC is taut
In what ROM is the elbow capsule least tensioned?
70°-90° of flexion
List the 3 ligaments of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament complex
- anterior
- posterior
- transverse
How does the structure of the anterior part of the UCL affect elbow joint stability through the full range of elbow motion?
- has two bands: anterior & posterior
- anterior band is taut from full extension to 60° of flexion
- posterior band is taut from 60° to 120° of flexion
Which soft tissue structure is the greatest restraint to valgus stresses at the elbow?
anterior portion of Ulnar Collateral Ligament complex
At what angle is the posterior portion of the UCL most taut?
90° of flexion
What is Cooper’s ligament? What role does it play in elbow stability?
- transverse (or oblique) part of the UCL
- contribution to stability is limited (it’s variably present & often indistinguishable from the capsule)
List the 4 structures that make up the Radial Collateral Ligament complex (RCL)
- annular ligament
- radial portion
- ulnar portion
- (variably present) accessory portion
Which soft tissue structure plays the primary role in elbow stabilization? Which other two structures play secondary roles in elbow stability?
- the Radial Collateral Ligament complex
- elbow joint capsule & common extensor origin play secondary roles
Which component of the UCL complex was originally implicated as playing the primary role in Posterolateral Rotatory Instability (PLRI)? What are its attachments?
- ulnar portion
- medial epicondyle to the crest of the supinator on the ulna (blends with fibers of the annular ligament)
Describe the Elbow Extension test & its general sensitivity/specificity.
- patient actively fully extends elbow
- excellent specificity (97%) for elbow fracture, okay sensitivity (69%)
Which 2 clinical tests would you use to determine dislocation and/or gross instability of the elbow?
- Active Floor Push-Up Sign & Chair Sign (100% sensitivity with both)
If a patient presents with elbow pain and an exaggerated bony prominence, effusion, and an appearance of an elongated forearm, what might you suspect
dislocation