Elbow Diagnoses

Question 1

Elbow Fx (3)

Answer 1

1. radial head
2. olecranon
3. distal humeral

Question 2

Radial Head Fx

Answer 2

FOOSH

most common in adults

Question 3

Olecranon Fx

Answer 3

relatively common in adults
result from fall onto bent elbow or direct blow
majority are displaced
most require operative care

Question 4

Distal Humeral Fx

Answer 4

relatively uncommon (2%)
most frequent in young males or females over 80
associated with higher velocity injuries in younger individuals
can occur from simple fall in older individuals with poor bone stock

Question 5

Heterotrophic Ossicifcation

Answer 5

bone in nonosseous tissues

may develop following fx to distal humerus

Question 6

Precautions: Elbow Dislocation

Answer 6

avoid combining end range elbow extension and supination for first 6 weeks

Question 7

Varus Elbow Instability

Answer 7

lateral collateral ligament insufficiency

usually results from elbow dislocation

Question 8

Valgus Elbow Instability

Answer 8

medial collateral ligament insufficiency

usually chronic resulting from repetitive stresses such as overhead throwing

Question 9

Precautions: Elbow Instability

Answer 9

avoid elbow ext with sup for at least 8 weeks
avoid shoulder ABd with IR for at least 12 weeks following varus LCL repair
be alert for nerve symptoms

Question 10

Stiff Elbow

Answer 10

frequent complication of elbow dislocation, fraction, head injury, and burns
multiple contributing factors