Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

After a radial head fracture, which muscle is critical for strengthening forearm supinators?

1. Biceps brachii

2. Triceps brachii

3. Supinator

4. Brachialis

The correct answer is: Biceps brachii

The biceps brachii is indeed a critical muscle for strengthening forearm supinators following a radial head fracture. This muscle is primarily responsible for flexing the elbow and supinating the forearm, especially when the elbow is flexed. Its role becomes particularly significant during rehabilitation, as the biceps brachii assists in restoring forearm motion and function by enabling the rotation of the radius, which is essential for supination. In the context of recovery from a radial head fracture, the focus on strengthening the biceps brachii helps to promote a functional range of motion and mitigate the loss of strength that can occur after such an injury. While other muscles like the supinator also play a role in supination, the biceps brachii's contribution is paramount, especially given its dual function in elbow flexion and supination, making it a key target for therapeutic exercises in this scenario. The triceps brachii, while important for elbow extension, does not function in supination and would not provide the necessary strengthening for forearm supinators. Similarly, the brachialis primarily functions in elbow flexion and does not contribute to supination.