The mnemonic Egyptian Elbows helps remember components of elbow assessment: AROM, supination, shoulder 90, pronation. Which option correctly lists these components?

• A. Forearm rotation without elbow motion
• B. LCL stability, MCL stability, varus, valgus
• C. Elbow flexion, extension only
• D. AROM, supination, shoulder 90, pronation

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is remembering what the elbow assessment components are, as captured by the mnemonic Egyptian Elbows. That mnemonic stands for four elements: active range of motion (AROM) of the elbow, forearm rotation into supination, the shoulder positioned at 90 degrees to stabilize the limb, and forearm rotation into pronation. The option that lists these four components exactly matches the mnemonic: AROM, supination, shoulder 90, pronation.

AROM means the patient actively moves the elbow through its range of motion (flexion and extension). Supination and pronation assess the forearm’s rotational movements. The “shoulder 90” cue refers to positioning the shoulder to 90 degrees to create a stable base so elbow motion is evaluated cleanly rather than being confounded by shoulder movement. The other choices miss one or more of these elements (focusing only on basic flexion/extension, or on ligament stability, or on rotation without elbow motion), so they don’t fit the mnemonic as well.