epicondylitis

Question 1

what is epicondylitis?

Answer 1

-refers to inflammation at the point where the tendons of the forarm insert into the epicondyles at the elbow

Question 2

what are the 2 epicondyles located on the distal end of the humerous?

Answer 2

medial and lateral epicondyles

Question 3

what do the tendons that insert into the medial epicondyle do?

Answer 3

they act to flex the wrist

Question 4

what do the tendons that insert themselves in the lateral epicondyle do?

Answer 4

they act to extend the wrist

Question 5

what causes epicondylitis?

Answer 5

-repetitive use and injury to the tendons at the point of insertion

Question 6

what is another name for lateral epicondylitis?

Answer 6

tennis elbow

Question 7

what is the special test for lateral epicondylitis?

Answer 7

flex the elbow to 90 degrees in pronation. Palpate the lateral epicondyle and ask the patient to extend their index finger against your resistance

Positive test= pain is produces at the lateral epicondyle and may be referred down the extensor aspect of arm

Question 8

how may lateral epicondylitis present?

Answer 8

• pain and tenderness at lateral epicondyle (outer elbow)
• pain often radiates down forearm
• it can lead to weakness in grip strength

Question 9

what is another name for medial epicondylitis?

Answer 9

golfers elbow

Question 10

how may medial epicondylitis present?

Answer 10

• pain at the medial epicondyle (inner elbow)
• may radiate down the forearm
• may lead to weakness in grip strength

Question 11

what test is done for medial epicondylitis?

Answer 11

-arm is flexed to 90 degrees in supination. The medial epicondyle is palpated. The patient is asked to try flex their wrist against your resistance.

Positive test= pain is produced at medial epicondyle and can be referred down the flexor aspect of arm