Overview of Elbow Orthopedic Special Tests

• Published in: Home health care management & practice 2010-12, Vol.22 (7), p.507-508
• Main Author: Wallmann, Harvey W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arms; Assessment; Diagnosis; Injuries
• ISSN: 1084-8223; 1552-6739
• DOI: 10.1177/1084822310370571

As detailed in the previous column, another upper extremity area receiving a lot of attention regarding sports, recreational, and industrial injuries is the elbow complex (Scuderi, McCann, & Bruno, 1997). Whereas the previous column outlined the elbow injuries most commonly seen, this column will discuss some of the more common special orthopedic tests involved in attempting to more accurately assess elbow injuries. As previously described, special tests are a component of the overall musculoskeletal examination and are divided into diagnostic categories. Keep in mind that the selection and use of these tests should be focused and thorough and is based on the overall clinical impression, history, and findings from the rest of the physical examination (Dutton, 2008). As a reminder, the following order is often used for the assessment: Patient history --> Observation --> Examination of movement --> Reflexes and cutaneous distribution Special tests --> Palpation. Also, please be aware of the fact that one special test alone is generally not sensitive and specific enough as the sole determinant; several special tests may be needed within a category to verify findings. What follows is an overview of common special tests within the different diagnostic categories for the elbow complex along with a brief description of each test and what determines whether or not the test is positive. [Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications Inc., copyright holder.]