A passive examination should only be carried out for movements which were painful and/or limited during the active movement examination, those with an abnormal course, or if hypermobility or a mild musculotendinous injury is suspected.
Procedure
- The patient stands or sits comfortably with their arms hanging down.
- The examiner should stand behind or beside the patient.
- With one hand, take hold of the elbow joint and if necessary, palpate both joint spaces.
- Place the other hand distally to the joint.
- It is essential that one of the examiner’s hands is fixed and the other hand carries out the movement.
- In Figures 75, 76, 77, 78 respectively, flexion, extension, pronation and supination are carried out passively.
- Assess:
- The course of the movement.
- The maximum range of motion.
- Occurrence of pain.
- Presence or disappearance of crepitations.
Figure 75: Flexion
Figure 76: Extension
Figure 77: Pronation
Figure 78: Supination