Elbow Flashcards
Joints in the elbow
3 articulations
1) radio-numeral - articulation between the capitulum of the humerus condole and the concavity on the the superior aspect of the head of the radius
2) proximal radio ulnar - head of the radius and the radial notch of the ulnar
3) humeroulnar - synovial hinge joint between the trochlea of the numeral condyle and the trochlear notch of the ulna
Common problems with the elbow
Tennis elbow Golfers elbow Olecranon bursitis OA Cubical tunnel elbow Pulled elbow - nurse maids elbow
What movement does the radio-humeral joint perform
Pronation and supination
What movement does the proximal radio-ulnar joint do
Pronation and supination
What movement does the humeroulnar joint do
Flexion and extension
What is tennis elbow
Lateral epicondylitis extensor
Inflammation where the common extensor tenon arises fro the lateral epicondyle of the humerus
Hx associated with tennis elbow
Repetitive strain
Test for tennis elbow
Mills test
Forearm in pronation
Extend the wrist - cause pain in the lateral epicondyle and the arm
Mx tennis elbow
Self-resolve in 6-24 months Dec activities and rest the arm Physio can help in those patients who are motivated NSAID use Steroid injection v bad v long time
Mx Golfers elbow
Self-resolve in 6-24 months Dec activities and rest the arm Physio can help in those patients who are motivated NSAID use Steroid injection v bad v long time
What is golfers elbow
Inflamm of the forearm flexor muscles at their origin on the medial epicondyle to as common as tennis elbow
Pain is worse on pronation and forearm flexion
Occasionally associated with ulnar neuropathy as ulnar nerve und behind the medial epicondyle
What is student elbow
Olecranon bursitis
What causes olecranon bursitis
Sustained pressure on the elbows
What is olecranon bursitis
Pain and swelling of the olecranon
Complications of olecranon bursitis
Cellulitis of the overlying skin - Abx
Rarer - abscess formation which may need surgical drainage and IV ab
What diff diag look out for
Gout - aspirate and look for crystals
Potential to phi on the elbows
What is cubical tunnel syndrome
Ulnar nerve compression
What causes cubital tunnel
OA and RA - narrowing of the ulnar groove and constricts the ulnar nerve as it passes behind the medial epicondyle cubitas valgus - forearm angled away from the body to a greater degree than normal when fully extended - can cause friction on he ulnar nerve causes fibrosis which can cause cubital tunnel symptoms
Symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome
Sensory symptoms dec sensation in the little finger and the medial ing finger
Clumsy in the hand weakness
Test to confirm cubital tunnel
Nerve conduction study
Tx cubital tunnel
Con - splint to wear at night
NSAIDS
Steroid injections
Nerve decompression surgery
What is a pulled elbow
Children
Lifted by the arm the radialhead slips under the annular ligament
Tx of pulled elbow
Flexion and quick supinatio/pronation of the forearm
OA elbow symptoms
Flex ext impair all movement
Tx OA
Con measures
Surge - total replacement
