Elbow Problems

Question 1

Describe the epidemiology of elbow problems

Answer 1

Young; fractures and dislocations

Middle age; tendinopathies

Elderly; degenerative disease

Cubital tunnel syndrome at any age

Question 2

Describe golfer’s elbow

Answer 2

Medial epicondylitis

Area of pain on inside of forearm

Usually effectively treated with rest

Question 3

Describe tennis elbow

Answer 3

Lateral epicondylitis

Area of pain on outside of forearm; small tears in extensor carpi radialis brevis causing inflammation

Caused by repetitive stress

May have MRI scan

Treatment usually pain relief, rest, physiotherapy

Question 4

Describe olecranon bursitis

Answer 4

Pain at site of bursa, tenderness over bursa

Usually a clinical diagnosis

If non-septic treatment is conservative + analgesia

If septic treatment is antibiotic therapy and aspiration of bursa + analgesia