MSK: Elbow

Question 1

How should you feel the elbow?

Answer 1

Palpate around key landmarks

Ask patient to flex elbow and feel for biceps tendon

Question 2

What movements should assess, passively and actively?

Answer 2

Flexion, extension

Pronation, supination

Question 3

What special tests can you perform?

Answer 3

Golfer’s elbow:
Flex the elbow at 90 degrees and palpate the medial epicondyle. Patient makes a fist. Passively supinate forearm, extend elbow and wrist.
Tennis elbow:
Flex elbow at 90 degrees and palpate the lateral epicondyle. Passively pronate, flex the wrist, and extend elbow.