Elbow – Joint Clinic Paarl

Radial Head Fractures

Saltlicker — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:18:15 +0000

Radial head fractures are the most common type of elbow fracture that occurs in adults. This type of injury is most commonly caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand. Radial head fractures occur most often in two groups of patients: elderly women as a result of osteoporosis or young men as a result of significant trauma.

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment

Saltlicker — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:14:20 +0000

Ulnar nerve entrapment is a condition where the ulnar nerve becomes physically trapped or pinched, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness, primarily affecting the little finger and ring finger of the hand. Entrapment may occur at any point from the spine at cervical vertebra C7 to the wrist; the most common point of entrapment is in the elbow (Cubital tunnel syndrome). Prevention is mostly through correct posture and avoiding repetitive or constant strain. Treatment is usually conservative, including medication, activity modification and exercise, but may sometimes include surgery. Prognosis is generally good, with mild to moderate symptoms often resolving spontaneously.

Tennis Elbow – Lateral Epicondylitis

Saltlicker — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:13:19 +0000

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition in which the outer part of the elbow becomes painful and tender. The pain may also extend into the back of the forearm and grip strength may be weak. Onset of symptoms is generally gradual. Golfer’s elbow is a similar condition that affects the inside of the elbow.

Tennis Elbow is due to excessive use of the muscles of the back of the forearm. Typically this occurs as a result of work or sports, classically racquet sports. The diagnosis is typically based on the symptoms with medical imaging used to rule out other potential causes. It is more likely if pain increases when a subject tries to bend back the wrist when the wrist is held in a neutral position. It is classified as a chronic tendinosis, not a tendinitis.

Olecranon Fracture

Saltlicker — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:12:58 +0000

A Olecranon fracture is a fracture of the bony portion of the elbow. The injury is fairly common and often occurs following a fall or direct trauma to the elbow. The olecranon is the proximal extremity of the ulna which is articulated with the humerus bone and constitutes a part of the elbow articulation. Its location makes it vulnerable to direct trauma.

Golfers Elbow

Saltlicker — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:12:21 +0000

Golfers elbow is very similar to tennis elbow, but less common. It is caused by overuse and repetitive motions like a golf swing. It can also be caused by trauma. Wrist flexion and pronation (rotating of the forearm) causes irritation to the tendons near the medial epicondyle of the elbow.

Golfers Elbow can cause pain, stiffness, loss of sensation, and weakness radiating from the inside of the elbow to the fingers. Rest is the primary intervention for this injury. Ice, pain medication, steroid injections, strengthening exercises, and avoiding any aggravating activities can also help.

Surgery is a last resort, and rarely used. Exercises should focus on strengthening and stretching the forearm, and utilizing proper form when performing movements.

Elbow Dislocation

Saltlicker — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:12:06 +0000

Elbow dislocations constitute 10% to 25% of all injuries to the elbow. The elbow is one of the most commonly dislocated joints in the body, with an average annual incidence of acute dislocation of 6 per 100,000 persons. Among injuries to the upper extremity, dislocation of the elbow is second only to a dislocated shoulder.

A full dislocation of the elbow will require expert medical attention to re-align.

Elbow Bursitis

Saltlicker — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:11:48 +0000

Elbow Bursitis or Olecranon bursitis is a condition characterized by swelling, redness, and pain at the tip of the elbow. If the underlying cause is due to an infection, fever may be present. The condition is relatively common and is one of the most frequent types of bursitis.

Elbow Bursitis usually occurs as a result of trauma or pressure to the elbow, infection, or certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Olecranon bursitis is associated with certain types of work including plumbing, mining, gardening, and mechanics. The underlying mechanism is inflammation of the fluid filled sac between the olecranon and skin. Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms.

Elbow Arthritis

Saltlicker — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:11:32 +0000

Elbow arthritis is usually seen in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis or after fractures that involve the joint itself. When the damage to the joint is severe, fascial arthroplasty or elbow joint replacement may be considered.

Elbow Biceps Tendon Rupture

Saltlicker — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:11:13 +0000

A Elbow biceps tendon rupture is a complete or partial rupture of a tendon of the biceps brachii muscle. It can affect the distal tendon, or either/both of the proximal tendons, attached to the long and short head of the muscle, respectively.

A Elbow biceps tendon rupture may occur during athletic activities, however avulsion injuries of the distal biceps tendon are frequently occupational in nature and sustained during forceful, eccentric contraction of the biceps muscle while lifting.