Elbow Flashcards
What type of arthritis most commonly affects the elbow?
RA
OA is possible tho - most likely after trauma
What condition results from:
Lateral epicondylitis
Medial epicondylitis
How is this condition treated?
Lateral epicondylitis - tennis elbow
Medial epicondylitis - golfers elbow
Self resolving
- NSAIDS
- Painkillers
- Rest
How do you test for golfers and tennis elbow?
Golfers (medial epicondylitis)
- palpate over medial epicondyle and get to form fist and try flex against resistance
Tennis (lateral epicondylitis)
- palpate over lateral epicondyle
- pronate forearm
- extend index finger against resistance
What nerve condition is associated with elbow discomfort over the olecranon and parenthesis in the ulnar 1 1/2 fingers of the hand ?
Cubital tunnel syndrome
How do you test for cubital tunnel syndrome?
Tinel’s test over cubital tunnel
Froment’s test - hold paper test
What causes cubital tunnel syndrome?
- Due to tightening of deep fascia that forms roof of tunnel
- Due to intermusclar septum as nerve passes into flexor carpi ulnaris
How is cubital tunnel syndrome diagonsed?
Nerve conduction studies
What can cause elbow dislocation..
In adults?
In kids?
Adults - FOOSH
Kids - pulling kids arm up too forcefully (if kid trying to run away)
How is an elbow dislocation managed?
Closed reduction under sedation
(traction in extension +/- pressure over olecranon)
Sling -> physio to get joint moving and prevent contractures
What fracture in the elbow is common in children due to weakness in bone?
Supracondylar fracture
Supracondylar fractures can be v difficult to see on Xray. What other signs can be used to diagnose?
Anterior humeral line - must pass through middle third of capitellum
Anterior and posterior fat pads (appear as dark grey areas) = effusion
What nerve can be damaged due to elbow injury?
How can it be tested?
Median
Make ok sign with hand (tests for FDP and FDS function)
What type of subluxation can happen in kids from swinging them?
It occurs as the annular ligament in kids is weaker
Subluxation of the radial head
How is supracondylar fractures managed?
Reduction
Back slab to elbow -> collar and cuff
Immoblise for 3 weeks
