← Full lesson and references Paired practice cardsSt Emlyn’s · MLA

One learner performs. One learner checks the key steps and gives feedback. Then swap roles. This is a practice aid, not an official mark scheme.

Examiner / observer

Elbow examination

Tick the actions you observe. Discuss any step that was not needed for this examination; unchecked boxes are not a score.

Examiner / observer · 1 of 3

Elbow examination

Preparation · History and inspection

Agree supervision and any communication or chaperone support before starting. Use a consenting partner and provide a couch and any equipment needed for the agreed examination. Practise comfortable movements; describe or use a suitable model for uncomfortable or provocative manoeuvres unless an appropriate supervised teaching setup is agreed.

St Emlyn’s · MLA · Practice aid, not an official mark schemeObserver 1 of 3

Examiner / observer · 2 of 3

Elbow examination

Palpation and movement · Selected tests

Palpation and movement

Assesses temperature, swelling, tenderness and crepitus gently.

Palpates epicondyles, olecranon and radial head while rotating the forearm with the elbow flexed.

Assesses relevant biceps tendon findings and brachial/radial pulses.

Compares active flexion/extension and pronation/supination; adds passive/resisted tests when safe.

Selected tests

For lateral symptoms, tests resisted wrist extension with forearm pronated while assessing the lateral epicondyle.

For medial symptoms, tests resisted wrist flexion and forearm pronation.

Interprets familiar pain with history, tenderness and movement; a hook test needs an appropriate mechanism and familiar trained examiner. Key step

St Emlyn’s · MLA · Practice aid, not an official mark schemeObserver 2 of 3

Examiner / observer · 3 of 3

Elbow examination

Distal neurovascular assessment · Close

Distal neurovascular assessment

Checks radial first-web-space sensation and wrist/finger/thumb extension.

Checks median index-pulp sensation, thumb palmar abduction/opposition and relevant anterior interosseous function.

Checks ulnar little-finger sensation and finger abduction/adduction; adds Froment’s sign when relevant.

Compares sides, maps deficits and records perfusion.

Close

Restores comfort and privacy, thanks the patient and discusses the findings with the responsible clinician.

Explains the agreed plan to the patient.

Ask the candidate

How would you present your findings and their significance? Describe the site of tenderness, swelling, range and distal function. Relate the pattern to the history; marked warmth, pain and restricted movement require assessment for infection or another urgent cause.

What would you do next, and why? Explain the important uncertainty, a relevant next assessment and when help is needed. State what you could not assess.

Feedback

What went well:

One thing to improve:

Try again focusing on:

St Emlyn’s · MLA · Practice aid, not an official mark schemeObserver 3 of 3

Print produces a fresh set with empty checkboxes. Your on-screen checklist is kept until you reset it or reload this page.

Return to the examination notes and references

Elbow examination

Your task

Starting information

Elbow examination

Elbow examination

Preparation

History and inspection

Elbow examination

Palpation and movement

Selected tests

Elbow examination

Distal neurovascular assessment

Close

Ask the candidate

Feedback