The Elbow

There is a combination of limited passive movements and painful resisted movements

=> The limitation is of the capsular type and the endfeel is spastic.

A capsular limitation of the passive movements together with a spastic endfeel indicates an arthritis

In an artritis of the elbow, the resisted movements are usually normal (strong and painless).

However, the following situations may exist:

All resisted movements are more or less painful. This may result from 'transmitted stress' on a very acute arthritis: The maximal isometric contractions irritate indirectly the inflamed capsule and cause pain.
Resisted flexion is painful. If this is seen after a trauma, one should think of a posttraumatic sprain of the brachialis in combination with a traumatic arthritis.
Resisted flexion and resisted supination are painful and weak. This combination, in relation to a trauma, indicates a fracture of the radial head
Resisted extension is painful and weak. The cause is a fracture of the olecranon