Special test for the joint dysfunction of the elbow joint:

• The elbow joint is a type of synovial hinge joint, like the ankle & knee joints.

• The elbow joint is made from the three articulations :
• Ulnohumeral joint
• Proximal radioulnar joint
• Radiohumeral joint

• Stability of the elbow joint is provided mainly from the trochlea of the humerus & the bony joints of the ulnar olecranon.

• These tests are applied to the clinic to check any joint dysfunction of the elbow joint.
• These tests are orthopedic or clinical tests that are applied by the doctor/therapist when the patient is complaining about elbow joint pain.
• These tests are applied after completing the normal assessment of the elbow joint & checking the x-ray of the elbow joint.
• After that applied these tests in the examination part of the assessment.

• if the patient complains of pain in the elbow joint, mostly on elbow movement, the examiner can perform two tests to differentiate between the radiohumeral joint & ulnohumeral joint.

Test for the radiohumeral joint :

• Purpose = These tests are used to check the dysfunction of the radiohumeral joint.

• Technique = Patient is in sitting position for the test.
• Examiner positions the elbow joint at the position of pain at the elbow joint.
• Then examiner [ therapist ] radially deviates the wrist to compress the radial head against the humerus.

• Result = The production of pain would be considered a positive test.

Test for the ulnohumeral joint:

• Purpose = These tests are used to check the dysfunction of the ulnohumeral joint.

• Technique = Patient is in sitting position for the test.
• The examiner again positions the elbow joint at the position of discomfort & cause compression of the ulnohumeral joint by ulnar deviation at the wrist.

• Result = Again if the patient feels pain indicates a positive test.

Active radiocapitellar compression test:

• Purpose = These tests are used to check the osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum.

• Technique = Patient is in standing position for the test.
• The examiner applies an axial [ compression ] load to the elbow in full extension.
• Then examiner instructs the patient for doing the actively supinate & pronate the forearm while the compression is maintained.

• Result = pain in the lateral compartment of the elbow is a positive test & it indicates an osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum.