The Elbow Flashcards
A patient experiences pain in their elbow when brushing their hair. How would you splint them?
A. Elbow @ 0 degrees
B. Elbow @ 30 degrees
C. Elbow @ 60 degrees
D. Elbow @ 90 degrees
The answer is B (Elbow at 30 degrees). This is the most natural angle, especially for sleep.
Explanation:
Answer A (Elbow at 0 degrees) - never full extension.
Answers C (Elbow @ 60 degrees) & D (Elbow @ 90 degrees) are not ideal.
A patient is referred to you for activity modification for tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). Which of the following modification precautions would you not recommend?
A. Keeping the elbow close to the box when lifting heavy objects
B. Pronating the forearm when reaching to grasp objects
C. Use of adaptive tools to reduce gripping
D. Pushing objects when possible
The answer is B (Pronating the forearm when reaching to grasp objects). With lateral epicondylitis, you want to avoid elbow extension, forearm pronation, & wrist extension.
Which provocative test would confirm tennis elbow?
A. Cozen’s Test
B. Phalen’s Test
C. Hawkin’s Test
D. Empty Can Test
The answer is A (Cozen’s Test). Can also do Mill’s -> reverse cozen’s & reverse Mill’s will suggest medial epicondylitis.
Explanation:
B. Phalen’s Test -> Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
C. Hawkin’s Test -> Impingement in subacromial space
D. Empty Can Test -> Supraspinatus
The LCL of the elbow stabilizes against valgus stress, & MCL against varus stress.
A. True
B. False
The answer is B (False). LCL against varus stress
You’re seeing a patient this afternoon with cubital tunnel syndrome. you expect to se all but…
A. Increased thenar muscles
B. Paresthesia of digits 4 & 5
C. Intrinsic wasting
D. Clawing
The answer is A (Increased thenar muscles). You’d see wasting.
Explanation: you’d expect to see all of these
B. Paresthesia of digits 4 & 5
C. Intrinsic wasting
D. Clawing
Which of the following are appropriate cubital tunnel interventions? (Select all)
A. Nighttime splint, elbow @ 30 degrees
B. Nerve Gliding
C. Strength & Ranging
D. Rest & Protect
The answer is A (Nighttime splint, elbow @ 30 degrees), B (Nerve Gliding), & D (Rest & Protect).
Explanation:
Answer C (Strength & Ranging), definitely don’t do this.
Which muscle group is most effected in lateral epicondylitis?
A. Pronators
B. Supinators
C. Flexors
D. Extensors
The answer is D (Extensors).
Explanation:
A. Pronators -> Bicep
B. Supinators -> Supinator
C. Flexors -> Medial Epicondyle
Which muscle group is most effected in medial epicondylitis?
A. Pronators
B. Supinators
C. Flexors
D. Extensors
The answer is C (Flexors).
Explanation:
A. Pronators -> Bicep
B. Supinators -> Supinator
D. Extensors -> Lateral Epicondyle
Your patient just had an LCL tear repair. What functional movement can they do?
A. Reaching behind the back to tuck a shirt
B. Latch a bra behind them
C. Pick up heavy groceries by the handle
D. Brush their hair
The answer is D (Brush their hair). External rotation
Explanation:
A. Reaching behind the back to tuck a shirt -> internal rotation
B. Latch a bra behind them -> internal rotation
C. Pick up heavy groceries by the handle -> Gripping
Your patient just had an MCL tear repair. What functional movement can they do?
A. Brush their hair
B. Brush their teeth
C. Doff a t-shift
D. Take off a back-pack
The answer is B (Brush their teeth). Internal rotation
Explanation:
A. Brush their hair -> External rotation
C. Doff a t-shift -> External rotation
D. Take off a back-pack -> External rotation
If a patient suffered an MCL tear from an elbow dislocation, they should be educated on avoiding/adapting functional movements that are in the terminal extension, pronation position, such as picking up a heavy object far from your body.
A. True
B. False
The answer is A (True). For LCL. avoid terminal extension & supination
It is important not to mobilize the elbow early post dislocation & subsequent ligament repair.
A. True
B. False
The answer is B (False). You do want to mobilize cautiously & early.
OT management for an open reduction internal fixation includes… (select all)
A. Surgical protection immediately post-op
B. Gentle ROM immediately post-op
C. Gradual strengthening
D. Splinting
The answer is A, B, C, D
A. Surgical protection immediately post-op
B. Gentle ROM immediately post-op
C. Gradual strengthening
D. Splinting
