Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Functional Evaluation of the Elbow
Introduction
Elbow function consists of three elements: (1) positions the hand in space, (2) stabilizes the upper extremity linkage, and (3) generates power to perform lifting activities. The essential joint functions that form the basis of functional assessment strategies are motion, strength, and stability. Ultimately, however, the final determinant of function is the ability to perform activities of daily living, and the principal determinant of this is pain.
Significance
Involvement of the upper limb was the leading cause of loss of work time among seven anatomic regions based on workers' compensation data from Florida in 2011 and accounted for 31% of all claims paid.
Elbow Motion
Normal Motion
Measurement
The flexion, extension arc, and forearm rotation are adequately measured clinically with the handheld goniometer with an accuracy of approximately 5% with an intraobserver reliability correlation coefficient of 0.99. Forearm rotation is measured with the elbow at 90 degrees of flexion, often with the subject holding a linear object, such as a pencil, to make the measurement more objective.
Normal passive elbow flexion ranges between 0 and 140 to 150 degrees. Greater variation of normal forearm rotation has been described but averages approximately 75 degrees pronation and 85 degrees supination.
Investigative Techniques of Measuring Complex Active Motion
The triaxial electrogoniometer can simultaneously measure three-dimensional motion of more than one joint system with a high degree of reproducibility and reliability. More recently, video telemetry, computer-simulated motion, electromagnetic sensors, robotics, and miniature accelerometers have also been developed to provide three-dimensional kinematic data. The complex interrelationship of shoulder, wrist, and elbow function remains poorly understood.
You're Reading a Preview
Become a Clinical Tree membership for Full access and enjoy Unlimited articles
If you are a member. Log in here