Elbow Flashcards
What is tennis elbow?
Lateral epicondylitis:
Inflammation at the origin of the tendon of extensor carpi radialis brevis (90% recover in 1 year, lasts 6-24 months).
What is this a presentation of?
History of repetitive strain, pain exacerbated on outside of elbow on resisted wrist extension.
Lateral epicondylitis
How are suspected lateral/medial epicondylitis investigated?
Clinically, but can identify on X-ray.
What is the treatment for lateral/medial epicondylitis?
Cease activity that causes pain, physio, NSAIDs, ice, only severe and unresponsive cases require surgical tendon release.
What is golfer’s elbow?
Medial epicondylitis:
Inflammation of forearm flexor muscles at their origin on medial epicondyle (less common than lateral).
What is this a presentation of?
Pain exacerbated on resisted forearm pronation and wrist flexion.
Medial epicondylitis
What is the cause of olecranon bursitis?
Pressure on the elbows (e.g. leaning on table for long period of time)
What is this a presentation of?
Pain, swelling, redness at tip of elbow (may have cellulitis).
Olecranon bursitis (student’s elbow)
What is the treatment for olecranon bursitis?
Compression bandage, NSAIDs.
Incision, drainage, IV Abx in septic bursitis.
What is the cause of ulnar nerve entrapment?
Osteoarthritic or rheumatoid narrowing of ulnar groove on the humerus. Or friction of the ulnar nerve due to past injury.
What is this a presentation of?
Reduced sensation of little finger and medial half of ring finger, first Clumsiness of the hand and weakness.
Ulnar nerve entrapment (cubital tunnel syndrome)
How is suspected ulnar nerve entrapment investigated?
X-ray, EMG, Tinel’s test will be +ve over antecubital fossa.
What is the treatment for ulnar nerve entrapment?
NSAIDs, night bracing elbow in extension, surgical ulnar nerve decompression.
