Elbow Examination

Introduction

Inspection

Skin changes such as psoriatic plaques
Fixed or reducible deformity / soft tissue swelling
- Masses, nodules or tophi
- Carrying angle of the elbow
Articular or olecranon bursal swelling
Signs of inflammation
CRPS signs

Palpation

Range of movement

Assess active and passive range of motion of the elbow joint. Normal flexion is 135-145 degrees, and normal extension is 0-5 degrees ^[1] Compare to the opposite side and assess for end feel of movement.

The forearm range of motion is 85 degrees of supination, and 75 degrees of pronation. The hand should move medially as the forearm pronates ^[2]

Other Manoeuvres

References

↑ Morrey BF, Askew LJ, An KN, et al. A biomechanical study of normal functional elbow motion. J Bone Joint Surg. 1981;63A: 872–6.
↑ Weinberg AM, Pietsch IT, Helm MB, et al. A new kinematic model of pro- and supination of the human forearm. J Biomech. 2000;33:487–91

[1] Morrey BF, Askew LJ, An KN, et al. A biomechanical study of normal functional elbow motion. J Bone Joint Surg. 1981;63A: 872–6.

[2] Weinberg AM, Pietsch IT, Helm MB, et al. A new kinematic model of pro- and supination of the human forearm. J Biomech. 2000;33:487–91

[1]

[2]