Elbow Anatomy and Biomechanics Quiz

The angle formed by the long axis of the humerus and the ulna with the elbow extended and forearm supinated.

Increased carrying angle, usually greater than 15 degrees.

Decreased carrying angle, usually less than 5 degrees.

A swelling in the elbow joint, which can affect all three joint components.

Inflammation of the olecranon bursa, the fluid-filled sac located behind the elbow.

The ulnar nerve passes through the groove on the back of the elbow. This leaves it vulnerable to injury due to elbow trauma or joint disruption.

The median nerve runs in front of the elbow joint, and can be compressed by elbow trauma.

The normal range of motion for elbow flexion is from 0 degrees (full extension) to 135 degrees. This motion is powered by the biceps and triceps muscles.

Sensory testing that follows specific nerve pathways corresponding to a particular spinal nerve level.

A medical exam assessing elbow joint function, including bony and soft tissue structures, motion, and nerve function.

A type of neurological test that assesses nerve function and muscle reflexes using a hammer.

Testing the strength of specific muscles by observing and measuring their ability to move against resistance.

A group of neurological tests designed to determine if the upper motor neurons are affected. These tests can help detect disorders related to the brain or spinal cord.

A passive range of motion test that assesses the movement of a joint and identifies capsular restriction - a limitation in the movement of a joint due to tightness of the capsule.

The way the joint feels at the end of its movement. This can help identify the type of tissue limiting motion.

Movement performed against resistance from an external force (e.g., therapist). Used to assess strength and stability.

The surgical procedure for elbow osteoarthritis typically involves replacing the humeroulnar joint, but can involve the humeroradial joint depending on the severity of the condition.

While the surgery itself is effective at relieving pain, it's less common than hip or shoulder replacements.

Patients often have a history of elbow injury before requiring a replacement, making it more likely.

Following elbow replacement surgery, a rehabilitation program is crucial. It typically involves avoiding lifting heavy objects for at least four weeks and starting physical therapy immediately.

While there's limited evidence, surgeons often think patients with better range of motion before surgery have better outcomes.

This test assesses median nerve compression by the pronator teres muscle. It involves resisting the patient's forearm supination while also extending their elbow. A positive test will elicit numbness, tingling, or the reproduction of the patient's pain in the median nerve distribution.

This test aims to assess the stability of the medial (inside) collateral ligament of the elbow. It involves applying pressure to the inside of the elbow with the arm flexed at a 20-25 degree angle. A positive test will show pain and increased movement (laxity) in the elbow joint.

This test evaluates the lateral (outside) collateral ligament of the elbow. It involves putting pressure on the outer side of the elbow with the arm bent at a 20-25 degree angle. A positive test will indicate pain and increased movement (laxity) in the elbow joint.

This condition involves inflammation of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow, often caused by overuse. The most common test is Cozen's Test, involving resisted wrist extension and radial deviation.

This condition, also known as golfer's elbow, affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow. It's often caused by overuse of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon. While there's no specific test, a reverse Cozen's test is usually positive.

This condition involves compression of the ulnar nerve in the elbow, causing numbness, tingling, and sometimes pain in the little finger and half of the ring finger.

This injury involves a tear of the distal (lower) biceps tendon, often caused by a sudden forceful contraction of the biceps muscle. The patient may have difficulty flexing the elbow and supinating the forearm.

This condition, often seen in children, occurs when the radial head (the end of the radius bone) becomes dislocated from the elbow joint. It's often caused by pulling or lifting a child by the arm.

Inflammation of the tendons at the origin of the forearm flexors, causing pain on the inside of the elbow, often due to repetitive forearm pronation and wrist flexion.

Inflammation of the tendons at the origin of the forearm extensors, causing pain on the outside of the elbow, often due to repetitive supination and wrist extension.

A common injury in children, where the fracture occurs above the elbow joint, often involving the radius and ulna. It's associated with potential nerve damage in the median, ulnar, or radial nerves.

A common injury in children who play baseball or other throwing sports, characterized by pain and tenderness at the inside of the elbow. It can be caused by excessive stress on the growth plate.

A condition where the ulnar nerve gets compressed at the elbow, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the little and ring fingers.

A condition where the anterior interosseous nerve, a branch of the median nerve, gets compressed at the elbow. It causes weakness in the muscles that control the thumb and index finger, affecting grip and pinch.

A type of elbow pain often caused by overuse, characterized by chronic tendinosis (not acute inflammation) of the extensor tendons.

A type of elbow pain often caused by overuse, characterized by chronic tendinosis (not acute inflammation) of the flexor tendons.

A common elbow injury in athletes, especially those involved in throwing sports, where the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is damaged, leading to pain and laxity.

A degenerative condition in which the cartilage of the elbow joint deteriorates, causing pain, stiffness, and limited movement. It's rare but can happen after osteonecrosis.

A common nerve compression neuropathy at the elbow, causing sensory loss, paresthesia, and weakness in the ring and small fingers.

A condition where the joint capsule of the elbow becomes inflamed, often due to repetitive movements or trauma. It can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement.

A painful condition affecting the elbow, caused by repetitive movements, especially those involving eccentric muscle contractions. It often involves micro-tearing of the extensor tendons.

A painful condition affecting the elbow, caused by repetitive movements, especially those involving eccentric muscle contractions. It often involves micro-tearing of the flexor tendons.

A type of elbow injury common in children and young adolescents, often caused by falling on an outstretched arm.

A type of elbow injury common in children, usually resulting from a fall on an outstretched hand with a force pushing the elbow inward.

A group of conditions affecting the inside of the elbow, often related to repeated throwing motion in children and young adults.

A condition affecting the growth plate of the medial epicondyle in children, often triggered by repetitive throwing motion.

A fracture that occurs when the medial epicondyle, a bony prominence, is pulled away from the bone, often due to forceful throwing.

An injury to the ligament on the inside of the elbow, often caused by forceful movements involving the elbow.

A fracture of the upper end of the radius bone, near the elbow joint, usually caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand with the elbow extended.

A serious injury where the bones of the elbow joint are dislocated, often occurring with a direct impact or twisting force.

A condition resulting from repetitive stress on the growth plate of the olecranon, often associated with throwing or gymnastics.

A condition that occurs due to repetitive hyperextension and valgus stress on the elbow, often found in throwers or boxers.

A condition involving the growth plate of the capitellum (part of the humerus bone), causing pain and limitation in movement.

The most frequent type of elbow injury affecting children who are skeletally immature, often caused by forceful throwing.

A type of elbow pain caused by repetitive throwing, characterized by pain on the inside of the elbow, particularly with flexion and valgus stress.

A type of elbow fracture involving the outer part of the elbow joint, typically caused by a fall onto an outstretched arm.

A serious dislocation involving the bones of the elbow joint, often caused by a fall or twisting injury.

A condition that involves the breakdown of the growth plate in the capitellum (a part of the humerus bone), leading to pain and difficulty with movement.

A group of conditions that affect the inside of the elbow, often caused by repetitive throwing or other repetitive activities.