Elbow Flashcards
Elbow Articulations
Ulnar-Humeral (flex/ext)
Radio-Humeral (flex/Ext)
Radio-ulnar (pron/sup)
Ligaments and Bursa of the Elbow
Ulnar Collateral Ligament (MCL)
Radial Collateral Ligament (LCL)
Annular
Bursa: Olecranon bursa
Muscles acting on the elbow joint
Biceps brachii: sup+ flex (shoulder+elbow)
Brachialis: flex
Brachioradialis: flex
Triceps brachii ext (shoulder + elbow)
Pronator tere: pron
Anconeus: ext
Functional Anatomy of elbow
ROM: flex = 135
pron-sup = 70-90
hyperext = 5
Postural observations of elbow
Flex: triangle of olecranon process + humeral epicondyles
Ext: straight line by olecranon process + hum epicondyles
Carry angle: male = 5 female = 10-15
Elbow Sprain
MOI: FOOS, hyperextension, rep stress
S/S: join tenderness, pain w/ AROM+PROM, joint laxity, swelling and limited movement
M: PIER, NSAIDs + protect w/ taping/bracing/slingling
Fractures of the elbow
Distal humerus
Proximal radius
Proximal ulna
MOI: FOOSH, fall on flex elbow, direct impact
S/S: vast swelling, pain in elbow joint, muscle spasm of surrounding muscles
M: assess distal PMS, splint and support above + bellow in most comfortable position, Hospital
Colle’s Fracture
(silver fork or spoon deformity)
Distal end of the Radius or Ular (or both)
MOI: ext or flexed wrist during impact forcing distal radius and ulna up and back
M: splint and transport
Epicondylitis
E: inflammation at the elbow involving attachments of common flexor or extensor tendons of the forearm
MOI: Direct trauma, overuse and improper mech w/ repeated eccentric load
Lateral Epicondylitis
(Tennis Elbow)
E: eccentric loading of ext during deceleration. wrong racquet size, tension string too high, grip too large (30-50yolds)
S/S: pain anterior or distal to lateral epi, may radiate to forearm. resisted wrist extension. + tennis elbow test
M: RICE+NSAIDs, support for RTP
Medial Epicondylitis
(Golfer’s Elbow, less common)
E: repeated valgus forces in acceleration phase of throwing. excessive eccentric wrist flexion
S/S: swelling, ecchymosis, tenderness at humero-ulnar joint. severe pain, resisted wrist flex and pron, tingling and numbness (ulnar nerve)
M: RICE+NSAIDsm immobilize in sling (2-3 weeks) functional brace for RTP
Elbow Dislocation
proximal radial head
Ulnar dislocation
MOI: hyperextension, sudden violent unidirectional valgus force drives ulna post or poslateral
S/S: snap or crack, pain, swelling, total loss of function, obvious deformity, arm held in flexion, olecranon and radial head palpable, slight indentation in triceps, nerve palsy
M: immobilization and transportation
Special Tests for Elbow
- Brachial and radial pulse
- Tinel’s sign: tap ulnar nerve 4-6. (positive = tingle or numbness in forearm or hand)
