National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What is the next bony landmark a physical therapist assistant would palpate below the lateral epicondyle of the elbow?

1. Lateral supracondylar ridge

2. Olecranon process

3. Radial head

4. Medial epicondyle

The correct answer is: Radial head

When considering the anatomy of the elbow, the correct landmark to palpate below the lateral epicondyle is indeed the radial head. The lateral epicondyle is located at the outer part of the elbow, and directly below it lies the radial head, which is the upper end of the radius bone. The radial head is crucial in allowing forearm rotation as it articulates with the humerus and the ulna. When palpating the area, one can feel the radial head just below the lateral epicondyle, particularly while the forearm is supinated. The other landmarks mentioned, such as the lateral supracondylar ridge, olecranon process, and medial epicondyle, are anatomically positioned but are not located directly below the lateral epicondyle. The lateral supracondylar ridge is located superior to the lateral epicondyle, the olecranon process is situated posteriorly and is the bony prominence of the ulna at the elbow joint, and the medial epicondyle is located on the opposite side of the elbow from the lateral epicondyle. Therefore, radial head is the most proximal structure directly below the lateral epicondyle that can be palpated.