Elbow APTA (3) Flashcards
What is double crush syndrome?
- an asymptomatic site of peripheral nerve compression that predisposes that nerve for increased risk of injury at a different location
- debated in the literature as a thing; however a good reminder clinically that there are multiple regions where a nerve may be compressed
How long may nonoperative treatment last prior to a surgical intervention being considered for peripheral nerve injury/compression?
- 4 months; nerve tissue is slow healing
What are general interventions for management of nonoperative nerve disorders?
- rest/immobilization w/ splinting (reduce aggravation of tissue)
- modalities (pain control)
- interventions to surrounding structures to reduce potential for tension on the nerve
Is nerve gliding appropriate for management of a nerve disorder?
- it can be. There is debate on whether it does what it is supposed to do
- Should be considered on an individual basis depending on the injury. Could theoretically be helpful or detrimental depending on the structural situation
How quickly do nerves grow?
- ~1mm a day or 1 inch a month
What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
- inflammation of the ulnar nerve as it passes through the medial tunnel of the elbow.
What are the sides of the cubital tunnel?
- medial epicondyle and olecranon (walls)
- aponeurosis (roof)
- UCL, the joint capsule, and olecranon
What are common mechanisms for cubital tunnel syndrome?
- traction (throwers; extreme valgus stress on arm)
- longstanding valgus deformity
- sustained flexion positions (long distance cyclists)
What is the differential dx for a cubital tunnel syndrome?
- cervical radiculopathy
- TOS
What are 4 tests with sens/spec data for a cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar neuritis?
- Tinels
- Elbow flexion test: pt flexes elbow past 90* w/ full supination and wrist extension. Hold for 60”.
- pressure provocation test: Apply pressure to cubital tunnel for 30”.
- scratch collapse test: Pt resists shoulder ER B, while therapist scratches in region of cubital tunnel. Potential allodynia results in symptomatic side “collapsing” w/ reflexive inhibition of ER.
- specificity is .98 or higher for all of them
How is Tinel’s done for a cubital tunnel syndrome?
- tap the ulnar nerve at its most exposed point….see if it reproduces symptoms.
How is the elbow flexion test performed?
- pt seated. Maximally ER the shoulder, flexes the elbow fully, and extends the wrist. Hold for 1 minute.
- positive with reproduction of symptoms (ulnar nerve)
How is the pressure provocation test performed?
- Clinician puts pressure on the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel, with the pt’s arm in the elbow flexion test position (shoulder ER, elbow flx, wrist ext) for 30 seconds.
- positive with reproduction of symptoms
How is the scratch collapse test performed?
- pt with arms at sides, elbows bent to 90*, fingers outstretched. Pt resists IR force from therapist at distal forearm. After a few seconds, the therapist releases the force and scratches the affected cubital tunnel, then immediately reapplies the force
- considered positive with momentary loss of ER force on the effected side with reapplication of force by clinician
- not super sensitive, but good specificity
A cubital tunnel syndrome is the ___ most common entrapment of the UE.
- 2nd
What is the success rate in the literature for nonoperative management of mild-moderate ulnar irritation?
- 50%
What is likely the most effective intervention for mild-moderate ulnar neuritis?
- pt education to avoid activities/postures that will aggravate the neuritis (e.g., excessive elbow flexion, or external pressure on the cubital tunnel/nerve)
How long is it appropriate to trial a night split for an ulnar neuritis? What elbow position is appropriate?
- ~4-6 weeks
- 30-45* flexion and full supination
- most likely for mild symptoms
T or F;
Aggressive stretching is important to restore mobility to tissues during management of an ulnar neuritis.
- F; shouldn’t be done in early stages
Other than splints, what can be used for external management of an ulnar neuritis?
- elbow pads, etc to reduce compression at the cubital tunnel
What elbow/wrist positions, and activites should be avoided with early management of an ulnar neuritis?
- avoid >90* flexion at elbow
- activities that require excessive wrist/finger flexion
- positions of valgus stress at the elbow
Is daytime immobilization of the elbow ever appropriate for a cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar neuritis)?
- yes for more moderate/severe presentations
- PROM may be important to avoid development of elbow stiffness
What are considerations for execution of strength training with an ulnar neuritis?
- avoid terminal end ranges at the elbow
- avoid valgus stress
- avoid aggravation of symptoms
Are aggressive soft tissue mobilization techniques appropriate for management of an ulnar neuritis?
- they can be, but not appropriate until final stages of rehab, and only if deemed necessary
- can include active release, scar mobilization, nerve gliding
What movements are restricted during the first few weeks post-op for ulnar neuritis management?
- wrist extension and forearm supination
- pts will likely be immobilized for 1-3 weeks; degree of flx will depend on the surgery
When can ROM restrictions following post-op ulnar neuritis management be expected to be lifted?
- ~3 weeks post-op, can expect the pt to be allowed full ROM
What are expectations for success following surgical management of ulnar neuritis?
- usually successful. Multiple types of procedures, but none is much better or worse than the others
What is the most common UE nerve entrapment?
- carpal tunnel syndrome
T or F;
Proximal median nerve compression injuries are common.
- F; fairly unlikely that a pt will be having an elbow/forearm entrapment
What should be in the differential for a median nerve compression?
- cervical radiculopathy (C5-T1)
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- flexor tendon disorders
In an athletic population, is it more likely to see a median nerve compression at the elbow, or the wrist?
- elbow