Examination of the Elbow
Look
Expose patient
Anterior
Look with arms forward flexed approx 45°, elbows extended (i.e. out in front)
- Alignment & Carrying angle
- Men 10° Women 13°
- Cubitus Valgus
- check for tardy ulnar nerve palsy
- nonunion fractured lateral condyle
- premature closure of lateral distal humeral physis
- Cubitus Varus
- gunstock deformity
- Supracondylar fractures
- Scars/Swellings/Sinus
- Wasting: Deltoid/Arm/Forearm
- Popeye lesion
Hold arms abducted out to sides with palms facing up
- Extension – active/passive both sides
- Flexion – active/passive both sides
- Look at medial side
- Scars – ulnar nerve transposition
Bring elbows to the front
- Look at posterior aspect
- Bursitis
- Rheumatoid nodules
- Scars
- Look at axilla
- Look at lateral side
- Effusion
- Scars – Kochers