Elbow & Forearm Region

Radial head: palpation cues

1. Hold patient in 90 degrees of elbowflexion 2. Using a pincher grip, grasp the lateral aspect of the proximal forearm 3. Passively pronate and supinate the forearm to feel the radial head rolling underneath your finger

Ulnar groove (Ulnar Nerve): palpation cues

1. Hold the patient's arm in 90 degrees of shoulder and elbow flexion 2. Identify the medial epicondyle of the elbow 3. Move between the medial epicondyle and the olecranon process-This is the ulnar groove in which the ulnar nerve passes

Olecranon process: palpation cues

1. Hold the patient's forearm with the elbow at 90 degrees 2. Palpate the large bony prominence at posterior aspect of the elbow 3. Flex and extend the elbow to better feel the olecranon process 4. HINT: in extension, the olecranon process should rest between the medial and lateral epicondyles; With flexion there is a triangle shape created by the 3 bones 5. Muscular Considerations: Triceps and Anconeus

Radial shaft & radial styloid process: palpation cues

1. Identify the radial head 2. Move distally until you reach the radial styloid process 3. Between these two points is the radial shaft

Ulnar shaft & ulnar styloid process: palpation cues

1. Locate the medial aspect the elbow joint 2. Move distally until you reach the ulnar styloid process• The ulnar shaft lies between these two points

Pronator teres (part of cubital fossa): palpation cues

1. Palpate muscle from medial epicondyle to anterior middle of radius 2. Remember pronator teres is the medial border of the cubital fossa 3. Confirm you are on the muscle by resisting pronation

medial epicondyle: palpation cues

1. Place the patient in slight shoulder abduction and elbow flexion to 90 degrees 2. Trace the medial portion of the humerus distally 3. Feel for a prominent bone at the distal end of the humerus

lateral epicondyle of humerus: palpation cues

1. Position the arm in slight abduction and the elbow in 90 degrees of flexion 2. Trace down the lateral aspect of the humerus 3. Feel for a prominent bone at the distal end of the humerus

Lateral condyle of humerus: palpation cues

1. Position the arm in slight abduction and the elbow in 90 degrees off flexion 2. Trace down the lateral aspect of the humerus 3. Feel for a prominent bone at the distal end of the humerus

Common Extensor Mass: palpation cues

1. With the elbow bent to approximately 90 degrees 2. Palpate the lateral epicondyle, then palpate the muscle mass on top of it 3. Confirm you are on the muscle mass by extending the wrist

Common Flexor Mass of elbow: palpation cues

1. With the elbow bent to approximately 90 degrees 2. Palpate the medial epicondyle, then palpate the muscle mass on top of it 3. Confirm you are on the muscle mass by flexing the wrist