Physical Examination of the Elbow

주관절의 이학적 검사

The trained examiner can gain considerable information from visual inspections of the elbow joint, Because much of the joint is subcutaneous, any appreciable alteration in the skeletal anatomy often is detectable. Gross soft tissue swelling or muscle atrophy is also early observed. Inspection and palpation of the medial and lateral epicondyles and the tip of the otecranon from an equilateral triangle with the elbow is flexed. Normally, the arc of flexion extension, although variable, ranges from about O to 140 degrees plus or minus 10 degrees. The posterolateral rotatory instability(PLRI) of the elbow is most common pattern of elbow instability. The lateral collateral ligament complex also includes a narrow but stout band of ligamentous tissue blending with the distal and proterior fibers of the capsule to insert distally on the crista supinatoris of the ulna. This is the lateral ulnar collateral ligament(LUCL). A clinical elbow pivot shift test confirms the PLRI. There are also two active apprehension signs.