Inspection (Look):

• For swelling (olecranon bursitis), rheumatoid nodules, gouty tophi, scars, rashes, psoriatic plaques, muscle wasting
• From the front looking for the carrying angle (5-10 degrees valgus position) and from the side for any flexion deformity

Palpation (feel):

• Assess temperature over joint and forearm
• Tenderness over medial and lateral epicondyles (golfers and tennis elbow) and olecranon process for bursitis. Palpate any discrete swellings. Palpate for the presence of any synovitis

Move:

• Check elbow flexion, extension, pronation and supination actively
• Follow this with passive flexion, extension, pronation and supination, feeling for crepitus

Function:

• Watch the patient undress, allow the hand to reach the mouth