Elbow Pathologies Flashcards
The elbow joint consists of which joints?
- Humero-ulnar joint (flexion/extension)
- Radio-capitallar joint (supination/pronation)
Which muscle powers extension at the elbow joint?
Triceps brachii
Which muscles power flexion at the elbow joint?
- Brachialis
- Biceps brachii
Supination at the elbow joint is achieved by which muscles?
- Biceps brachii
- Supinator
Pronation at the elbow joint is achieved by which muscles?
- Prontaor teres
- Pronator quadratus
Where is the insertion site for the triceps muscle?
Olecranon
Where is the insertion site for the brachialis?
Coronoid process
What is the insertion site for the biceps brachii?
Bicipital tuberosity of the radius
Where does the common extensor origin arise from?
Lateral epicondyle of the humerus
Where does the common flexor origin arise from?
Medial epicondyle
What is the term given to the area where a muscle inserts?
Enthesis
What is the elbow more commonly affected by, RA or OA?
RA
Tennis elbow is a ________ epicondylitis
Lateral
Tennis elbow arises due to those who reguarly perform movements involving what?
Resisted extension at the wrist
(it may also occur as a degenerative process)
What does the pathogology show for tennis elbow?
Micro-tears in the common extensor origin
What are the clinical features of tennis elbow?
- Painful and tender lateral epicondyle
- Pain on resisted middle finger and wrist extension
What is the treatment for lateral epicondylitis?
- Rest (most cases are self limiting)
- Physiotherapy
- NSAIDs
- Steroid injections
- Use of an elbow clasp (brace)
- Ultrasound therapy (no proven efficacy)
- Surgery - division and/or excision of some fibres of the common extensor origin - only for the most severe cases
Golfer’s elbow is a _________ epicondylitis
Medial
What is golfer’s elbow a result of?
Repeated strain or degeneration of the common flexor origin
What is the treatment for golfer’s elbow?
- Rest
- Physio
- NSAIDs
- Injection
- Surgery (for the most severe cases)
Why is injection in medial epicondylitis dangerous?
It can risk injury to the ulnar nerve
Since primary OA of the elbow is uncommon, when may it occur most frequently?
After trauma
If non-operative management of arthritis of the radio-capitellar joint, what is the treatment?
Surgical excision of the radial head
(good pain releif and minimal functional limitation)
If RA or OA of the humero-ulnar joint cannot be treated with conservative management, what is the surgical option?
Total elbow replacement
If a patient has a total elbow replacement, what is the restriction after surgery and onwards?
Lifting in this limb must not exceed 2.5kg
