Elbow and Forearm Evaluation

Ms. Bowman

Anatomy ReviewBones

RadiusUlnaHumerus

ArticulationsHumeroulnar JointHumeroradial JointProximal and Distal

Radioulnar JointsLigaments

Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL)

Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament (LUCL)

Radial Collateral Ligament (RCL)

Annular LigamentAccessory Lateral Collateral

Ligament (ALCL)Interosseuous Membrane

Anatomy Review-MusclesElbow Flexor and

Supinator GroupBiceps brachii-

supinatedBrachialis-pronatedBrachioradialis-

neutralSupinator

Elbow ExtensorsTriceps brachiiAnconeus

Elbow PronatorsPronator teresPronator quadratus

Anatomy Review-MusclesMedial Epicondyle

Flexor carpi radialisPalmaris longusFlexor digitorum

superficialisFlexor carpi ulnarisLateral EpicondyleExtensor carpi radialis

longusExtensor carpi radialis

brevisExtensor carpi ulnarisExtensor digitorum

communis muscles

Anatomy Review-NervesMedian nerve-

crosses the anterior elbow

Ulnar nerve-between olecranon process and the medial epicondyle

Radial nerve-posterior aspect of the humerus then crosses lateral elbow joint

Anatomy Review-BursaeSubcutaneous

olecranon bursaSubtendinous

olecranon bursa

HistoryLocation of painOnset of the symptomsMOITechniqueSounds, sensations (Rice Crispies)PmhxGeneral medical health

InspectionAnterior Structures

Carrying angleCubital fossa

Medial StructuresMedial epicondyleFlexor muscle mass

Lateral StructuresAlignmentCubital recurvatumExtensor muscle

massPosterior Structures

Bony alignmentOlecranon process

and bursa

What are you looking for when you inspect the structures in these locations?

PalpationAnterior Structures

Biceps brachiiCubital fossaBrachioradialisWrist flexor groupPronator quadratus

Medial StructuresMedial epicondyleUlnaUlnar collateral ligament

Lateral StructuresLateral epicondyleRadial headLateral ulnar collateral

ligamentCapitellumAnnular ligamentRadial collateral ligament

Posterior StructuresOlecranon processOlecranon fossaTriceps brachiiAnconeusUlnar nerveWrist extensorsFinger ExtensorsThumb musculature

What are you looking for when you palpate these

structures?

Range of Motion TestsFlexionExtensionPronationSupination

Ligamentous TestsValgus Stress TestVarus Stress Test

Neurological TestsUpper Quarter Screen- to learn with shoulder

Special TestsElbow Sprain-Posterolateral rotatory

instability testEpicondylitis-Tennis Elbow Test, Golfer’s

Elbow TestNerve Trauman-Tinel’s Sign