Elbow Tendinopathy Flashcards
What is lateral epicondylitis commonly known as?
Tennis elbow
What is medial epicondylitis commonly known as?
Golfer’s elbow
What is the primary cause of lateral epicondylitis?
Overuse of wrist extensors and forearm supination, often from racket sports or repetitive activities.
What is the primary cause of medial epicondylitis?
Overuse of wrist flexors and forearm pronation, often from golf, baseball, or manual labor.
Which muscle group is primarily affected in lateral epicondylitis?
Wrist extensor muscles (especially extensor carpi radialis brevis)
Which muscle group is primarily affected in medial epicondylitis?
Wrist flexor muscles (especially flexor carpi radialis and pronator teres)
What are the main symptoms of lateral epicondylitis?
Lateral elbow pain, tenderness over the lateral epicondyle, pain with wrist extension and gripping.
What are the main symptoms of medial epicondylitis?
Medial elbow pain, tenderness over the medial epicondyle, pain with wrist flexion and gripping.
What physical exam test is used to diagnose lateral epicondylitis?
Cozen test: resisted wrist extension and radial deviation elicits pain at the lateral epicondyle.
What physical exam test is used to diagnose medial epicondylitis?
Pain with resisted wrist flexion while the elbow is extended.
What imaging is required for diagnosing elbow tendinopathy?
Usually a clinical diagnosis; X-ray to rule out bone pathology, ultrasound or MRI if uncertain.
What is the first-line treatment for elbow tendinopathy?
Conservative management: rest, ice, NSAIDs, physical therapy.
What role do wrist braces play in managing epicondylitis?
They reduce strain on affected tendons and provide symptomatic relief.
When should corticosteroid injections be considered for epicondylitis?
For short-term pain relief if symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, but repeated injections increase rupture risk.
When is surgery considered for epicondylitis?
For persistent, severe cases that do not improve after 6–12 months of conservative treatment.
What is a common differential diagnosis for lateral epicondylitis?
Radial tunnel syndrome (compression of the posterior interosseous nerve).
What condition commonly coexists with medial epicondylitis?
Ulnar neuritis (cubital tunnel syndrome).
What is the expected prognosis for elbow tendinopathy?
Most cases resolve within 6–12 months with conservative management.
