Chapter 8

Question 1

What two joints make up the elbow complex?

Answer 1

The humeroulnar and humeroradial joints

Question 2

What motions occur at the elbow complex?

Answer 2

Flexion and extension

Question 3

What is the carrying angle of the elbow?

Answer 3

The angle between the long axis of the humerus and forearm

Question 4

What is the normal carrying angle for women vs. men?

Answer 4

Women: 10–15° Men: ~5°

Question 5

What is the purpose of the carrying angle?

Answer 5

It improves functional ROM during elbow movement

Question 6

How does the elbow structure affect stability and mobility?

Answer 6

It increases stability but decreases mobility

Question 7

What are the four elbow flexors?

Answer 7

Biceps, brachialis, brachioradialis, and pronator teres

Question 8

At what angle are elbow flexors strongest?

Answer 8

At about 90° of flexion (mid-range)

Question 9

When is the biceps the strongest elbow flexor?

Answer 9

When combined with forearm supination

Question 10

Which muscle is the “true” elbow flexor?

Answer 10

Brachialis — it acts regardless of forearm position

Question 11

When does pronator teres assist with elbow flexion?

Answer 11

Only against resistance

Question 12

Which muscles extend the elbow?

Answer 12

Triceps and anconeus

Question 13

At what range are elbow extensors most powerful?

Answer 13

Mid-range of motion

Question 14

What is ulnar nerve entrapment also called?

Answer 14

Cubital tunnel syndrome

Question 15

What causes ulnar nerve entrapment?

Answer 15

Pressure or repetitive motion at the medial elbow, or prolonged flexion

Question 16

What are symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome?

Answer 16

Tingling/numbness in ring & small fingers, loss of grip, hand atrophy, worse at night

Question 17

What is a distal biceps tendon rupture?

Answer 17

A complete tear of the distal biceps tendon from the radial tuberosity

Question 18

How long is recovery after distal biceps tendon repair?

Answer 18

About 3–6 months

Question 19

What are signs of a distal biceps tendon rupture?

Answer 19

A “pop” at injury, pain subsiding after 1–2 weeks, swelling/bruising, weakness in flexion & supination, and a bulge in the upper arm

Question 20

What causes lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

Answer 20

Overuse injury causing microtears in the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon

Question 21

Where is pain felt with lateral epicondylitis?

Answer 21

Pinpoint pain at the lateral epicondyle, about 1 inch distal

Question 22

Why do clients with lateral epicondylitis improve with conservative care?

Answer 22

Because they learn to modify the activities that caused pain

Question 23

What is another name for an ulnar collateral ligament tear?

Answer 23

Tommy John injury

Question 24

What are symptoms of an ulnar collateral ligament tear?

Answer 24

Medial elbow pain, instability, tingling in ring/small fingers, and trouble throwing

Question 25

How long is recovery after Tommy John surgery?

Answer 25

12–18 months

Question 26

Which muscles flex the elbow?

Answer 26

Biceps brachii, brachialis, brachioradialis

Question 27

Which muscle is the workhorse of elbow flexion?

Answer 27

Brachialis

Question 28

Which muscle flexes best with the forearm in neutral?

Answer 28

Brachioradialis

Question 29

Which muscles extend the elbow?

Answer 29

Triceps brachii and anconeus

Question 30

What is the role of the anconeus muscle?

Answer 30

Pulls the annular ligament during extension to prevent it from being pinched

Question 31

Which muscles pronate the forearm?

Answer 31

Pronator teres and pronator quadratus

Question 32

Which muscles supinate the forearm?

Answer 32

Biceps brachii (primary) and supinator (secondary)

Question 33

What nerves innervate the main elbow muscles?

Answer 33

• Biceps & Brachialis – Musculocutaneous (C5–C6) • Brachioradialis – Radial (C5–C6) • Triceps & Anconeus – Radial (C6–C8) • Pronator teres – Median (C7–C8) • Supinator – Radial (C6)

Question 34

What ligament maintains ulnohumeral and radiohumeral stability in supination?

Answer 34

Lateral collateral ligament

Question 35

What ligament prevents subluxation of the radial head?

Answer 35

Annular ligament

Question 36

Which ligament resists valgus stress at the elbow?

Answer 36

Medial collateral ligament

Question 37

What is the function of the interosseous membrane?

Answer 37

Supports radius and ulna, keeping them from separating

Question 38

Normal elbow flexion and extension ROM?

Answer 38

Flexion 0–140°, Extension 140–0°

Question 39

Normal forearm supination and pronation ROM?

Answer 39

0–80° for both supination and pronation