Active Movement Examination


Baseline Position

  • For flexion/extension: The upper and lower arm are in line (0° flexion), the lower arm is in supination [Figure 69].

Figure 69


  • For pronation and supination: The elbow is in 90° flexion and the palm of the hand is located in the sagittal plane (mid-position) [Figure 70].

Figure 70


Movements should be assessed relative to these positions.


Procedure


  • The patient stands or sits comfortably with arms hanging down, and facing the examiner.
  • Inspect the movements on the ventral side and assess:
    • The course of the movement.
    • The maximum range of motion.
    • Occurrence of pain.
    • Occurrence of crepitations.

Ask the patient to carry out the following movements:

Flexion [Figure 71].

Figure 71


Extension [Figure 72].

Figure 72


Pronation [Figure 73].

Figure 73


Supination [Figure 74].

Figure 74


 

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