The Elbow

Basic Functional Examination:

Basic Principles:

The basic functional examination is standardized, which permits a systematic search for signs.

All the different tissues of the elbow are tested in a functional way:
They are brought selectively under tension and the results are noted.
The combination of positive and negative answers forms a pattern that leads to a diagnosis.

Functional:
The tissues of the elbow can be divided into tissues that can contract (contractile tissues) and tissues that do not possess that capacity (non-contractile or inert tissues).
- Contractile structures are the complex of muscle belly, musculotendinous junction, tenoperiosteal junction and their innervation.
- Non-contractile structures are all the other tissues: capsule and synovia, ligaments, bursae, bone, and cartilage.

Systematic:
The clinical search is organised in such a way that, with a minimum of tests, maximum information is obtained.
A clear Overview is obtained by organising the tests in a logical order.

The functional examination contains:
Building a Pattern:
During the examination test results are noted. After the examination, all the findings (negative as well as positive ones) are brought together to form a pattern.
Each pattern is therefore the translation of the functional behavior of either a particular disorder or of a group of disorders.
Conversely, the recognition of a particular pattern will lead quickly to a valid and incontestable diagnosis.