title: A primer for physical examination of the elbow.
abstract: The elbow is a complex joint consisting of 3 separate but important articulations: the ulnohumeral, radiohumeral, and proximal radioulnar joints. The elbow assists in positioning the hand in space through 2 important motions, flexion-extension and pronation-supination. Although the elbow is not a weightbearing joint, it is subjected to significant loads, especially in overhead and throwing athletes. An accurate knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the elbow joint is critical for conducting a focused physical examination and arriving at an accurate diagnosis. The goal of this article is to review general and focused physical examination of the elbow in a systematic manner based on medial, lateral, anterior, and posterior aspects.
authors.affiliation: Center for Shoulder, Elbow, and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors.forename: Ioannis C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Zouzias
authors.forename: Ian R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Byram
authors.forename: Jamal N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Shillingford
authors.forename: William N
authors.initials: WN
authors.lastname: Levine
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004550:Elbow / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000175:diagnosis