Elbow Pathology

Question 1

What is medial epicondylitis?

Answer 1

Tendinopathy of the common flexor-pronator origin distal to medial epicondyle

Caused by recurrent microtrauma placing valgus stress on the body e.g. golf swings

Question 2

What are the symptoms of medial epicondylitis?

Answer 2

Subacute pain that develops over wks to months
Worse on movement and relieved by rest
Severe pain- radiates updown arm esp when using affected muscle

Question 3

What are the signs of medial epicondylitis?

Answer 3

Tenderness around medial epicondyle
Pain triggered by flexion of hand
Normal range of movement
No neurological symptoms

Question 4

What is the management of medial epicondylitis?

Answer 4

NSAIDs and rest
Physio
Epicondylar clasp- splint
Steroid injection
XR if treatment unsuccessful to rule out OA
Surgery- to remove abnormal tissue of other tx fails

Question 5

What is lateral epicondylitis?

Answer 5

Tendinopathy of the common extensory tendon origin just distal to lateral epicondyle

Associated with obesity, smoking and carpal tunnel syndrome
Can be caused by repetitive gripping or grasping movements

Question 6

What are the symptoms of lateral epicondylitis?

Answer 6

Subacute pain around lateral epicondyle

Exacerbated by movement and relieved by rest

Question 7

What are signs of lateral epicondylitis?

Answer 7

Point tenderness distal to lateral epicondyle
Pain reproduced by resisted extension of the wrist
Passive range of movement normal

Question 8

What is the management of lateral epicondylitis?

Answer 8

Conservative management

Surgical intervention- excision of abnormal tissue from tendon is required