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The Elbow Exam

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Examination of the elbows is performed to identify and localise pathology affecting the bones, joints or soft tissues associated with the elbow.

Positioning: Patient standing

The Patient

Around the Room

Mobility devices, sling, brace, cast etc.
General Features

Age, gender, general comfort, scars

Look

Feel

Move

Special Tests - Stability

Varus Stability Test

Radial collateral ligamentous laxity

Hold forearm, gently stress medial side of joint, look for increased joint laxity
Valgus Stability Test

Ulnar collateral ligamentous laxity

Hold forearm, gently stress lateral side of joint, look for increased joint laxity

Special Tests - Epicondylitis

On this page: The Patient Look Feel Move Special Tests - Stability Special Tests - Epicondylitis

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Donaghy M. Enlarged peripheral nerves. Practical Neurology. 2003;3:40-45.

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O'Driscoll SWM, Lawton RL, Smith AM. The Moving Valgus Stress Test for Medial Collateral Ligament Tears of the Elbow. Am J Sports Med. 2005;33:231-239.

Research Committee, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons. A standardised assessment of elbow function. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 1999 Jul; 8(4): 351-354. Sardelli M, Tashjian RZ, MacWilliams BA. Functional Elbow Range of Motion for Contemporary Tasks. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. 2011;93:471-477.

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Wallmann HW. Overview of Elbow Orthopedic Special Tests. Home Health Care Management & Practice. 2010;22:507-508. Zaidman CM, Pestronk A. Nerve size in chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy varies with disease activity and therapy response over time: a retrospective ultrasound study. Muscle & nerve. 2014 Nov;50(5):733-8.

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