Elbow Pathology Flashcards
What is medial epicondylitis?
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
What are the symptoms of medial epicondylitis?
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
What are the signs of medial epicondylitis?
Tenderness around medial epicondyle
Pain triggered by flexion of hand
Normal range of movement
No neurological symptoms
What is the management of medial epicondylitis?
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
What is lateral epicondylitis?
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
What are the symptoms of lateral epicondylitis?
Subacute pain around lateral epicondyle
Exacerbated by movement and relieved by rest
What are signs of lateral epicondylitis?
Point tenderness distal to lateral epicondyle
Pain reproduced by resisted extension of the wrist
Passive range of movement normal
What is the management of lateral epicondylitis?
Conservative management
Surgical intervention- excision of abnormal tissue from tendon is required