1: Medial epicondylitis

Question 1

Name the three joints of the elbow and describe the type of movement they permit

Answer 1

Humero-ulnar joint

Humero-radial joint

Proximal Radio-ulnar joint

Question 2

Humero-ulnar joint

Answer 2

Humero-ulnar joint is formed between the humerus and ulna and allows flexion and extension of the arm

Question 3

Humero-radial joint

Answer 3

Humero-radial joint is formed between the radius and humerus, and allows movements like flexion, extension, supination and pronation

Question 4

Proximal Radio-ulnar joint

Answer 4

Proximal Radio-ulnar joint is formed between the ulna and radius bones, and allows rotation of the lower arm

Question 5

Define medial epicondylitis

Answer 5

Medial epicondylitis, also called thrower’s/ golfer’s elbow, is a condition caused by an inflammation in the tendon that connects the wrist flexor pronator muscles to the medial epicondyle on the humerus

Question 6

What is the main molecular component of tendons AND what particular property of this component makes it fundamental to this role?

Answer 6

Tendons are mainly composed of collagen fibres. Collagen is a tough fibrous protein formed from long intertwined strands that give high tensile/ durability strength and can therefore take mechanical stress without breaking the tissue

Question 7

How are the symptoms of medial epicondylitis distinguished from lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

Answer 7

Location:
In medial epicondylitis pain is felt on the inside of the elbow on the palm side, while for lateral epicondylitis pain is felt on the outside of the elbow. Both present with weakened grip.

Question 8

What is the difference between glycoproteins and proteoglycans, and give examples of each found in tendons or ligaments?

Answer 8

Glycoproteins are proteins that have a carbohydrate covalently linked to them, where the carbohydrate may be a mono-, di- or polysaccharide or other carbohydrate derivatives.
Examples found in tendons/ligaments: elastin, COMP, lubricin, tenascin-C, tenomodulin

Proteoglycans are a type of glycoproteins in which the sugar part is a polysaccharide that contains amino sugars

Examples found in tendons/ligaments: small leucine-rich proteoglycan or SLRPs such as decorin, aggrecan, versican.