final Flashcards
What is defined as “partial or complete injury of the elbow ligamentous complex”?
elbow sprain
What ligaments are included in the elbow complex?
LCL, MCL, annular lig, joint capsule
What are the most important stabilizers of the elbow?
MCL and LCL
What else contributes to elbow stability?
bony locking mechanism
Why does the elbow have “continual compensatory function”?
it is adjacent to GH joint which is inherently unstable
Which ligament is especially important during mid-ROM of the elbow?
MCL
When the elbow is at 90 degrees, what accounts for >50% of valgus stability and 80% of distraction stability?
MCL
When are both anterior and posterior fibers of the elbow joint capsule taut?
fully extended and fully flexed
What is considered secondary support for the MCL at the elbow?
common flexor tendon
Which side of the elbow is more prone to injury?
lateral side
What is the most common MOI of elbow sprain?
FOOSH
Which direction of stress is more likely to create a fracture, valgus or varus?
varus stress
What is an important DDX for elbow sprain?
lateral epicondylitis
What ortho tests should be done to rule in elbow sprain?
valgus and varus stress tests
What is the “P” for elbow sprain Tx?
sling/brace/tape in resting position
What is the “OL” for elbow sprain Tx?
technique, work position, AROM (pain free early), isometrics
What direction should you do soft tissue massage for an elbow sprain?
Start distally, move proximally
Which elbow dislocation is direction is rare but very serious?
Posterior dislocation. D/t Fx risk, massive contracture, subsequent risk of neurovascular compromise
What is also known as tennis elbow?
lateral epicondylitis
What is lateral epicondlyitis pain usualy d/t?
degenerative tendinopathy, periostitis, possible adhesions
What muscle/tendon is usually most involved in lateral epicondylitis?
ECRB (sometimes ECU, ED and supinator)
T/F: Golfers do not get lateral epicondylitis
FALSE
In golfers, which elbow gets medial epicondylitis?
trailing arm
In golfers, which elbow gets lateral epicondylitis?
leading arm
What is the most common elbow condition?
lateral epicondylitis
In what age group is lateral epicondylitis most often seen?
40-60 yo
What is the etiology of lateral epicondylitis?
repetitive overuse, usually starts with inflammation of tendon
how much does the risk of lateral epicondylitis increase in males over 40?
2x
how much does the risk of lateral epicondylitis increase in females over 40?
4x
Does lateral epicondylitis occur more frequently in tennis players, or as a work related injury?
work related
What is one of the most common symptoms of lateral condylitis?
weakness and pain with gripping
What ortho tests are used to Dx lateral epicondylitis?
Cozens test, Mills test, long finger test, book test
What is a good outcome measure for lateral epicondylitis?
grip strength via dynamometer
What kind of supports can be used in early treatment of lateral epicondylitis?
elbow/wrist sleeves (avoid tension braces early)
How should the wrist be positioned for splinting of lateral epicondylitis in the late stage of Tx?
hold wrist in extension to take stress of extensors (only in severe cases)
What can negatively effect the long term prognosis of lateral epicondylitis?
computer use
What increases the possibility of a poor short term outcome to conservative tx?
neuro s/sx
medial epicondylitis causes medial elbow pain involving tendinopathy of what?
common flexor tendon
what does medial epicondylitis in children lead to?
traction apophysitis of medial epicondyle (salter harris Fx)
what is the epidemiology of medial epicondylitis?
> 40 yo, caucasian
what kind of muscle imbalances occur in medial epicondylitis?
decreased biceps and pronator flexibility, decreased pronator and wrist flexor strength
T/F: medial epicondylitis usually occurs from trauma
false - overuse
which epicondylitis are baseball pitchers more likely to have?
medial
how does the pain location of child vs adult with medial epicondylitis differ?
child = generalized adults = localized
what two tests are usually positive with medial epicondylitis?
reverse cozens, reverse mills (both have pain at medial epicondyle)
In a pt with lateral elbow pain, what are the common trauma related DDXs?
contusion, bursitis, sprain/strain, radial head subluxation
in a pt with lateral elbow pain, what are the common activity related ddxs?
lateral epicondylitis, LCL sprain
what is the most common site of DVT in the upper torso?
periscapular
in a pt with medial elbow pain, what are the most common trauma related ddxs?
mcl rupture, fracture/avulsion
in a pt with medial elbow pain, what are the most common activity related conditions?
medial epicondylitis, mcl sprain
what condition usually presents with bishops hand?
ulnar n. entrapment
what are the possible ulnar n. entrapment presentations?
n/t/w of 4th and 5th fingers, atrophy of hypothenar, bishops hand
in a pt with posterior elbow pain, what are the most common trauma related conditions?
contusion, grade 1-2 strain (triceps), bursitis, radial head subluxation, Fx
in a pt with posterior elbow pain, what are the most common activity related ddxs?
lateral and medial epicondylitis, mcl/lcl sprain, triceps tendinopathy (can => bursitis), stress fx
how common is anterior elbow pain?
very uncommon - pain usually lateralizes
what is olecranon bursitis aka?
miner’s elbow, student/draftsman elbow, dart throwers elbow
what is the most common superficial bursitis in the body?
olecranon bursitis
what is the cause of about 20% of acute cases of olecranon bursitis?
staphylococcus or other gram + infections
what are some common causes of olecranon bursitis?
gout, pseudogout, tight triceps, tendinitis
what would increase the chance of septic bursitis?
trauma with breaks in skin
when palpating the bursa and it feels “gritty” what should you think of?
gout
what are the common symptoms of bursitis?
swelling, stiffness, localized to posterior elbow. Pain and tenderness NOT common
if when palpating bursa there is pain or tenderness, what should you suspect?
periosteum involved (poss Fx), advanced infection
What do 1/3 of olecranon bursitis cases require?
aspiration and culture
when should ice be used for olecranon bursitis?
ice is ok in absence of a lot of swelling
how quickly does olecranon bursitis heal?
slow
what are the follow up procedures for olecranon bursitis?
aspiration (fast RTP), corticosteroid injection, rarely surgery