Elbow Examination
From WikiMSK
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]