Elbow Flashcards
What is an overuse inflammatory injury involving common extensor tendon?
Lateral epicondylitis - “Tennis Elbow”
How does lateral epicondylitis present?
Pain & 3/5 strength w/ resisted 3rd digit extension
How do you treat tennis elbow “tendonITIS”?
Steroid injection NSAIDs Ice Therapeutic exercise Bracing Consider PT
How do you treat tennis elbow “tendonOSIS”?
PT
Therapeutic exercise
Bracing
Who is at risk for a distal biceps tendon tear?
Men > 40 w/ preexisting degenerative changes in biceps tendon
What is the MOA of a distal biceps tendon tear?
Rapid eccentric contraction of biceps –> distal tendon tear at radial insertion
Who are candidates for non-surgical tx for distal biceps tendon tears?
Partial tears
Complete tears in older pts w/ sedentary lifestyle who are willing to accept strength loss
Who are candidates for surgical tx for distal biceps tendon tears?
Complete tear in young individuals (quick consult = best outcomes)
What are special tests for evaluating the ulnar collateral ligament? Which test is best?
Valgus stress test
Milking maneuver
Moving valgus stress test (best sensitivity & specificity)
What 3 things can cause medial elbow pain? How do you treat each?
Medial epicondylitis:
- Tx similar to lateral epicondyltitis/osis
Ulnar collateral ligament tear:
- Surgical consult
Medial epicondyle apophysitis “little leaguer’s elbow”:
- PT
non-inflammatory bursitis vs inflammatory bursitis?
Noninflammatory: repeated trauma, excess fluid within the bursa
Inflammatory: infection, intense inflammatory process
How does olecranon bursitis present on PE (non-inflammatory vs inflammatory) ?
Both have swelling at tip of elbow
Inflammatory: will additionally have warmth, redness, pain on palpation, & limited flexion
How do you treat olecranon bursitis?
If mild –> NSAIDs, elbow pad
If large effusion or infection present –> aspiration
