Elbow

Question 1

What are the common pathologies of the anterior compartment of the elbow?

Answer 1

Anterior capsule strain, distal biceps rupture, OA, pronator syndrome

Question 2

What are the common pathologies of the posterior compartment of the elbow?

Answer 2

Olecranon Bursitis, olecranon stress #, OA, posterior impingement, posterior dislocation

Question 3

What are the common pathologies of the medial compartment of the elbow?

Answer 3

Ulnar collateral ligament, cubital tunnel syndrome, medial epicondylalgia, valgus extension overload

Question 4

What are the common pathologies of the lateral compartment of the elbow?

Answer 4

Lateral epicondylalgia, osteochondral defect, OA, radial humeral bursitis, posterior Interosseous Nerve entrapment

Question 5

What are the serious pathologies that can occur in the elbow?

Answer 5

1. Cancer - rare but can occur in soft tissues, bone (distal humerus), cartilage
2. Infection - elbow is the 3rd most common infected joint. Can occur due to blood via injection, open wound, septic bursitis
3. Vascular - acute compartment syndrome. Irreversible nerve damage occurs in 12-24hr, irreversible muscle damage occurs in 3-8hrs
4. Neurological compromise - presents as sensory and strength loss to elbow flexors and extensors

Question 6

Name 7 types of fractures in the elbow joint

Answer 6

1. Monteggia
2. Galeazzi
3. Olecranon
4. Supracondular fractures
5. Radial head fracture
6. Elbow dislocation +/- Coranoid fracture
7. Terrible Triad

Question 7

What is a terrible triad (in the elbow)?

Answer 7

elbow dislocation + radial head fracture + coronoid fracture

Question 8

Name and describe the most common fracture of the elbow joint in adults

Answer 8

Elbow dislocation +/- Coranoid fracture: 90% of dislocations involve posterior dislocation of the radius and ulna.

Question 9

Name and describe the most common fracture of the elbow joint in children?

Answer 9

Supracondular fractures: Extension and fall from height.

Question 10

Name and describe the MOI of a type of fracture that rarely occurs in children?

Answer 10

Radial head fracture: FOOSH with valgus force applied at elbow in slight flexion

Question 11

Describe how an olecranon fracture occurs

Answer 11

Direct blow to the elbow or

FOOSH and hyper extension of elbow.

Question 12

Describe a galeazzi fracture.

Answer 12

Subluxation/dislocation of the radioulnar joint and fracture of the distal 3rd of the radius.

Question 13

Describe a monteggia fracture?

Answer 13

Fracture to the proximal third of the ulna and dislocation of the head of the radius.

Question 14

Name 3 other sources of elbow pain

Answer 14

Referred pain from C or T spine or from shoulder
Referral from cardiac tissue
Disorders affecting articular tissue - OA or RA

Question 15

What is tennis elbow also known as?

Answer 15

Lateral epicondlyalgia