Elbow Flashcards
What joints are located within the elbow?
Consists of the humero-ulnar joint and the radio-capittalar joint.
Where does the triceps muscle insert into and what is its function?
Olecranon process and powers the elbow for extension.
What muscles power supination?
Biceps muscle and the supinator.
Where does the common extensor tendon arise from and where does the common flexor tendon arise from?
Common extensor tendon arises from lateral epicondyle.
Common flexor tendon arises from medial epicondyle.
The elbow is more likely to be affected by osteoarthritis rather than rheumatoid arthritis. True/false
False, rheumatoid arthritis is more likely to affect the elbow rather than osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis commonly affects the weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.
What is Tennis elbow?
Aka lateral epicondylitis. A repetitive strain injury mostly seen in tennis players or patients with a history of repetitive resisted extension of the wrist. May also be degenerative in nature.
Tennis elbow presentation?
Patient will present with painful and tender lateral epicondyle, as well as pain on resisted middle finger and wrist extension.
Tennis elbow treatment?
A self-limiting condition, meaning that it will resolve with a period of rest. May be benefit in physiotherapy, NSAID therapy, steroid injections and usage of elbow brace.
What is Golfer elbow?
Aka medial epicondylitis. An injury resulting from repetitive strain/degeneration of the common flexor tendon origin.
Tennis elbow is more common than Golfer elbow. True/false.
True, since tennis is more commonly played.
How is Golfer elbow treated?
Same treatment as tennis elbow.
It is a self-limiting condition. It may be beneficial for physiotherapy, rest and NSAID’s. Steroid injections are not advisable as injections in this area may damage ulnar nerve.
What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
Compression of the ulnar nerve of the elbow. Behind the medial epicondyle.
What test is used to determine a positive result of ulnar nerve paraesthesia?
Tinel’s test - involves tapping/percussion over the ulnar nerves to determine if patient has weakness, tingling or numbness in the area.
Diagnosis made by nerve conduction studies (used to determine efficiency of electrical impulses through the nerve).
Surgery may be used to release tight strictures; it is decompression of the nerve.
What is Froment’s test?
Ask patient to pinch a thin sheet of paper. If the thumb is bent during this, indicates ulnar nerve palsy.
