Elbow Joint Conditions

What is lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

chronic degenerative condition of the extensor carpi radialis brevis at proximal attachment to the lateral epicondyle of humerus

What causes lateral epicondylitis?

repetitive wrist extension or strong gripping with the wrist extended

What muscle is primarily involved in lateral epicondylitis?

extensor carpi radialis brevis

What movements are painful in lateral epicondylitis?

passive wrist flexion

active wrist extension

What special test is used for lateral epicondylitis?

cozen’s test

mill’s test

maudsley’s test

What does cozen’s test assess?

pain with resisted wrist extension

What is mill’s test?

passive wrist flexion that reproduces pain at lateral epicondyle

What is Maudsley’s test?

pain with resisted extension of the middle finger

indicating extensor carpi radialis brevis involvement

Where is pain located with a brachialis strain?

anterior aspect of distal arm

What physical exam finding may be present with a brachialis strain?

tenderness in muscle belly of brachialis

What movement is painful with a brachialis strain during testing?

resisted elbow flexion

especially with forearm pronated

What is myositis ossificans?

formation of bone within muscle

after trauma

Where is myositis ossificans commonly seen?

brachialis muscle

What is a common cause of myositis ossificans?

trauma

aggressive stretching of muscle

What activities or treatments should be avoided with myositis ossificans?

stretching

massage

resistive exercises

heat

What is a distal biceps tendon rupture?

tear of biceps tendon near insertion at radial tuberosity

What are common signs of a distal biceps tendon rupture?

swelling

ecchymosis (bruising)

palpable gap in biceps tendon

What functional deficits are seen with a distal biceps tendon rupture?

weak elbow flexion

weak forearm supination

What physical exam finding may be palpated in a distal biceps tendon rupture?

palpable defect or gap in biceps tendon near antecubital fossa