Elbow Extension Test | Olecranon Fracture Test

Elbow Extension Test is  a clinical assessment applied in the diagnosis of bony abnormalities around the elbow including olecranon fractures. This basic examination proves useful in ensuring that when patients present with elbow pain and locking of the elbow joint, one may notice that the joint is actually fractured.

Indication for the Elbow Extension Test

The Elbow Extension Test is indicated for patients presenting with:

• Pain in the elbow that was sudden or sharp as a result of an injury.
• Fractures suspected in the elbow, more so if the patient experienced a fall or any direct blow.
• Inability to straighten out the arm at the elbow.
• Any local increase in the size of the elbow, development of blue, green or yellow discoloration, changing in the size or shape of the extremity.

Steps to Perform Elbow Extension Test

1. Patient Positioning: Thus, the patient sits and the tested arm is relaxed.
2. Starting Position: The patient is then gently made to bring the arm close to his or her face and then try to straighten the arm.
3. Observation: The therapist notes whether the patient can abduct the elbow to the extent possible, meaning beyond ninety degrees.The therapist for any pain the patient, inability to get to the full extension, or regard during the move.

Assessment Outcome of Elbow Extension Test

• Positive Test: The patient cannot freely extend the elbow or backs the hand with comfort and may have a fracture or a severe sprain-injury.
• Negative Test: The patient can flex the elbow joint up to 0 degrees and the lack of complaint of pain or history of severely fractured arm dispels this.

How to Make Differential Diagnosis with Elbow Extension Test

The Elbow Extension Test is useful in differentiating between:
 

• Radius and ulnar fractures: Among these are the simple elbow fractures especially olecranon fracture 
• Soft tissue injuries : Ligament sprains or Muscular strains.Injuries caused by accident and specific as opposed to repetitive strain, such as tendinitis
• Identifying bony abnormalities from the joint fluid which could be inflammatory or only effusions.

Related Elbow Extension Tests

• Varus Stress Test: Tests the status of the lateral collateral ligament.
• Valgus Stress Test: Harry Announces provision of information on the medial collateral ligament in the following manner:
• Cozen Test: Introduces tennis elbow as one of the causes of lateral epicondylitis.
• Tinel’s Sign: Identifies lesions of the ulnar nerve in the region of the elbow .

Evidence-Based Physiotherapy Researches Way Forward

• Screening Tool: Based on the findings of this and other research, the Elbow Extension Test should be implemented in emergency departments as the first line of assessment for elbow fractures.
• Combined Assessment: The studies indicate that the Integration of the Elbow Extension Test with other clinical signs as well as imaging studies increases the reliability of diagnosis.
• Rehabilitation Protocols: Rehabilitation procedures based on scientific research in the present work include physiotherapy treatment encompassing range of motion, strengthening, and functional outcomes for the group with positive EE Test results.

Key References:

1. Appelboam, A. & Reuben, A., 2019 Arising from this observation, this paper sought to examine the effectiveness of the Elbow Extension Test in assessing elbow fractures. Journal of Emergency Medicine.
2. Parsons, M. S. & Murtagh, J. E. (2020). Application of the Elbow Extension Test in Clinical Medicine. Orthopedic Reviews.
3. Deyle, G. D. & Allison, S.C.(2018) Conservative Management of Elbow Fractures: Therefore, the study will adopt the type of research named: A Systematic Review. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice.
    

Through the integration of these steps and points, physiotherapists can efficiently use the Elbow Extension Test in diagnosing and treating elbow pathologies with the help of research findings.