5- Elbow problems Flashcards
What forms the elbow joint
Articulation of the humerus and forearm bones
Consist of the humero-ulnar joint and the radio-capitellar joint
What is the function of the humero-ulnar joint
Flexion/extension
What is the function of the radio-capitellar joint
Supination/pronation
Which muscles flex the elbow
Biceps and brachialis
Which muscle extends the elbow
triceps
Which muscles perform supination
biceps and supinator muscles
Which muscles perform pronation
Pronator teres and pronator quadratus
Which type of arthritis more commonly affects the elbow
RA
primary OA of elbow is uncommon
What can cause lateral epicondylitis
Repetitive strain injury - common in tennis players or those who regularly do resisted wrist extension
Degenerative enthesopathy
What are the clinical features of lateral epicondylitis
Painful and tender lateral epicondyle
Pain on resisted extension of middle finger and wrist
How can you treat lateral epicondylitis
Rest from activities that make pain worse Physio NSAIDs Steroid injections Brace
Lateral epicondylitis is a self limiting condition - true or false
True
It usually resolves
What causes medial epicondylitis
Repeated strain or degeneration of the common flexor origin
Common in golfers
How do you treat medial epicondylitis
Physio
Rest
NSAIDs
How can you treat arthritis of the elbow if non-surgical means are ineffective
Excision of radial head - good for pain
Total elbow replacement - limits heavy lifting
