The Elbow Flashcards
What is Olecranon Bursitis and how does it most often occur?
Inflammation of the bursa directly covering the olecranon process of the ulna. Most often occurs from a direct impact to posterior elbow.
What are the common signs and symptoms of infection?
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Generalized pain
- Localized heat
- Restricted ROM
- Tenderness/swelling
If a valgus force is applied to the elbow, what ligament is predominantly stressed?
Ulnar collateral ligament (or MCL of the elbow)
If the UCL is damaged what problems can that cause distally?
Ulnar nerve inflammation or wrist flexor tendonitis (all wrist flexor originate at the elbow)
What distinguishes an elbow dislocation from a fracture?
Medial and lateral epicondyles are normally aligned with the shaft of the humerus. When displaced, it will be very obvious.
What is Volkmann’s Ischemic Contracture and when could it occur?
This is a complication of an elbow fracture when blood flow is ceased for greater than 4 hours to forearm, resulting in necrosis of the tissue and locking in a subsequent contracture of all affected muscles.
Wrist and proximal finger joints will be locked in extension and distal fingers joints locked in flexion.
What is Little League Elbow caused by and what could it involve?
Overuse by throwing during adolescence. Could evolve into one of the following:
- Medial epicondyle epiphysis last to close around elbow thus making it prone to avulsions
- Osteochondritis Dissecans of the capitulum
- Osteochondosis of the radial head
What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Ulnar nerve dislocation which can stem from a number of things:
- Traction forces on elbow
- Irregularities in tunnel
- Compression of ligament on nerve
What are Forearm Splints?
Similar to shin splints, a dull general aching through the extensors of the forearm, often seen in gymnasts and weight lifters from repetitive strain/tumbling.
Often prevails twice in an athletic season:
- At the beginning when inadequate conditioning has occurred prior to season can be corrected with strengthening forearm
- At the end of the athletic season as a result of fatigue, and/or inadequate rest
What is Pronator Teres Syndrome?
Entrapment of the median nerve, proximal to elbow. The median nerve runs between the superficial and deep heads of the muscle. Edema or muscle hypertrophy can cause the nerve to be pinched.
