Elbow Examination checklist (1)

Question 1

What is the first step in an elbow examination?

Answer 1

Greet the patient and confirm their identity.

Introduction and explanation of role. Appropriate infection control.

Question 2

What should be clarified before proceeding with the elbow examination?

Answer 2

Clarify the nature of the task and seek consent to proceed.

Question 3

How should the patient’s arms be positioned for the examination?

Answer 3

Adequately expose the patient’s arms to the level of the mid humerus.

Question 4

What should be compared during the ‘Look’ phase of the examination?

Answer 4

Compare both sides for deformity, carrying angle, swelling over the joint, and any skin lesions.

Question 5

What specific areas should be palpated during the ‘Feel’ phase?

Answer 5

Palpate the olecranon, lateral and medial epicondyle, and radial head.

Question 6

What movements should be assessed during the ‘Move’ phase?

Answer 6

Assess active and passive flexion, pronation, and supination, comparing both sides.

Question 7

What is the range of normal elbow flexion?

Answer 7

0-145 degrees.

Question 8

What special tests are used for suspected lateral epicondylitis?

Answer 8

Flex the elbow to 90 degrees in pronation, then ask the patient to extend their wrist against resistance.

Question 9

What indicates a positive test for lateral epicondylitis?

Answer 9

Pain at the lateral epicondyle, possibly referred down the extensor aspect of the arm.

Question 10

What special test is used for suspected cubital tunnel syndrome?

Answer 10

Tinel’s test: tap over the cubital tunnel located posterior to the medial epicondyle.

Question 11

What indicates a positive test for cubital tunnel syndrome?

Answer 11

Exacerbation of the patient’s symptoms.

Question 12

What is the procedure for Froment’s test?

Answer 12

With wrist in mid-prone position, ask the patient to grasp paper between thumb and forefinger and resist attempts to pull it away.

Question 13

What indicates a positive Froment’s test?

Answer 13

The thumb flexes as the examiner tries to remove the paper.

Question 14

What should be done at the conclusion of the examination?

Answer 14

Thank the patient, discuss findings, and offer help for dressing.

Question 15

Where can special tests for elbow examination be found?

Answer 15

On the Dundee University clinical skills YouTube channel.