CHIR12006

Week 8 Study Guide Questions

Q1. What articulations make up the elbow complex?

- Proximal humeroulnar joint
- Radio-capitellar joint
- Proximal radioulnar joint

Q2. What are the names of the 3 primary ligaments that stabilise the elbow?
- Annular ligament
- Ulnar collateral ligament
- Radial collateral ligament

Q3. What is the carrying angle of the elbow?

- Females: 13 degrees
- Males: 10 degrees
This angle is measured in the anatomical position of the elbow – extended, supinated
(palms facing forward).

Q4. Complete Table 6-8 below

Table 6-8 Arthrokinematic and

Osteokinematic
Movements of the
Elbow
Osteokinematic Degrees Arthrokinematic
Movements Movements
Flexion 135 – 165 degrees Roll and Glide
Extension 0 – 5 degrees Roll and glide
Supination 85 – 95 degrees Rotation and glide
Pronation 85 – 95 degrees Rotation and Glide
Q5. What is important to the clinician when assessing ROM of the elbow for
pronation and supination movements?
It is very important that when we assess the movements of pronation and supination of the
elbow, that the patient isn’t initiating this movement from their shoulder and is actually
using their forearm structures.

Q6. What is a sensitive screening test for patients with acute elbow injuries?
When a patient presents with a painful elbow, they are asked firstly to fully extend their
elbow – if they are not able to do this, it is a clear indicator of bone or capsule injury within
the joint.

Q7. Complete Table 6-7 below.

Action Muscle
Flexion Brachialis
Flexion in supination Biceps
Rapid flexion or flexion with loads Brachioradialis
Extension Triceps
Supination Supinator and biceps
Pronation Pronator quadratus
Rapid Pronation or with load Pronator teres
Medial stability and some extension Wrist flexors
Lateral instability with some flexion Brachialis

Q8. What is the structure and function of annular ligament?

Encircles the radial head and retains contact with the radial notch of ulna while stabilising
the articulation and resisting lateral and distal dislocation.

Q9. What the close packed and open packed positions of the elbow?
Closed packed – Full extension and supination
Open packed – 70 degrees flexion and 10 degrees pronation
Q10. Name this radiographic sign in the figure below?
A ‘sail sign’ for a fat pad in the elbow.

Q11. Name all of the structures of the elbow in the diagram below
A - Capitullem
B – Radial Head
C – Olecranon process
D – Trochlear
E – Coronoid process
 L

C
D

A
E
B

Q12. List the factors limiting flexion in the elbow?

Structural factors such as muscle bulk of forearm flexors, soft tissue, the opposition
of radial head and coronoid process and also the resistance caused by the triceps
tendon and the posterior capsule of the joint.