Chapter 4: Elbow

Question 1

When arm cannot be extended for AP Elbow, and the forearm is in contact what is being demonstrated?

Answer 1

joint space between radial head and capitulum is open
- foreshortened distal humerus
- proximal radius / ulna without distortion
- partially open elbow joint
- radial head, neck, and tuberosity slightly superimposed over the proximal ulna
- humerus is superimposed

Question 2

When arm cannot be extended, and the humerus is in contact with the IR, What does it demonstrate?

Answer 2

demonstrates humerus without distortion (distal humerus) keep hand supinated, don’t rotate hand because epicondyles won’t be parallel to IR. Closed elbow joint space
- foreshortened proximal forearm
- close capitulum- radial head
- proximal radius superimposed over the ulna

Question 3

What occurs when a patient can only extend arm 30 degrees or arm is flexed?

Answer 3

• closed capitulum - radial joint
• olecranon process moves away from the fossa
• coronoid process shifts proximally