Elbow flexion is bending the elbow, decreasing the angle between forearm and upper arm (bringing the hand toward the shoulder), primarily powered by the biceps and brachialis. Elbow extension is straightening the arm, increasing that angle back toward 180°, driven mainly by the triceps. These movements enable reaching, lifting and pushing and are evaluated for strength and range of motion.

Elbow ultrasound visualises soft tissues around the joint: tendons (common extensor/flexor), ligaments (including ulnar collateral), bursae, muscles and superficial nerves (ulnar nerve). It detects tendon tears, tendinopathy, calcifications, bursitis, joint effusion and synovitis, cortical bone surface changes and loose bodies, guides injections, and dynamic scans assess instability or nerve subluxation.

Normal right elbow flexion ranges from full extension at 0° to maximal flexion around 140–150°. Most people achieve about 145° of flexion. Functional elbow motion for daily activities typically requires roughly 30°–130°. Limited flexion below these ranges may indicate joint, muscle, nerve, or soft-tissue issues and may need clinical evaluation.

Use a universal goniometer with the patient sitting or supine, shoulder neutral. Palpate the lateral epicondyle as the axis. Align the stationary arm with the humerus toward the acromion and the moveable arm with the radius toward the radial styloid. For extension, straighten the arm and read degrees (normal ≈0°, slight hyperextension possible). For flexion, bend fully and read degrees (normal ≈140–150°). Stabilize the shoulder.

Normal elbow motion typically ranges from full extension (0°) to about 140–150° of flexion. Most people can fully extend to 0°; some have 5–10° of hyperextension. Functional activities usually require roughly 30–130° of motion. Individual variation occurs with age, joint laxity, previous injury, or surgery. If pain or limited range is present, seek clinical assessment for diagnosis and treatment options.

Flexion is a joint movement that decreases the angle between two bones, bringing body segments closer together, such as bending the elbow or knee. Extension is the opposite: it increases the angle between bones, straightening a joint, like straightening the elbow or knee. These terms apply to all joints (spine, hip, wrist), with specific variants such as dorsiflexion and plantarflexion for the ankle.