Elbow Special Tests Flashcards
Radial Capitellar Crepitus
Elbow in 90* of flexion with one hand cupping the elbow with the fingertips directly over the radial head and lateral epicondyle
Pain and palpable grating are reported as a positive test and compared to the opposite side
Valgus Stress UCL integrity test
impart a valgus force in mid-range flexion to evaluate for instability (100% SN) or pain (65% SN) as compared to the opposite side
UCL “milking” test
provocative maneuver for evaluating UCL instability
test stress the posterior band of the anterior bundle
a positive test reproduces the symptoms of medial elbow pain
Milking test is also known as
O’Brien sign when valgus stress is produced by pulling on the thumb to reproduce the medial elbow pain
Moving Valgus Stress Test
Performed at 90* of shoulder abduction
While the valgus load is maintained the elbow is quickly extended.
Moving Valgus Test for UCL tears
test is + when the medial elbow pain is reproduced in the 120-70* range
Valgus Extension Overload
Valgus stress is maintained while taking the elbow from 30* of flexion into complete extension to accentuate the contact between the medial aspect of the olecranon and the olecranon fossa
What is a positive valgus extension overload
osteophyte development on the posterior medial aspect of the olecranon process will produce a positive test with pain and palpable grating
Varus Stress RCL integrity test
impact a varus force in mid range flexion to evaluate for instability or pain as compared to the opposite side
Lateral pivot shift for PLRI of the elbow
Detects the integrity of the RCL and annular ligament structures.
What is a positive pivot shift for PLRI test?
positive present id the patient demonstrates apprehension.
Table-top relocation test
reproducing pain/apprehension at 40*
symptoms relieved with thumb preventing posterior subluxation
functional movements that can rule out PLRI
abscence of pain/apprehension towards end-range extension
tennis elbow test lateral epicondyle pain
mill’s test - passive stretch of the common extensors
cozen’s test - active contraction from position of stretch
Golfer’s Elbow Test Medial Epicondyle Pain
test is positive when medial elbow symptoms are reproduced at end range wrist extension or with resistance to wrist flexion from this position
Biceps Rupture
Risk Factors:
Men
>40
Steroid users
Bicipital Crease Interval
should not be >6 cm from antecubital crease to musculotendinous junction or not >20% farther than uninvolved side
Hook Test
Evaluation of distal tendon bicep integrity avulsion whereas a partial tear will cause pain it is hooked with finger
Functional Grip Strength
Findings are reported bilaterally
