Test #4 - Sports Medicine II

What structures originate at the lateral epicondyle?

wrist extensor muscles and Radial Collateral Ligament

What is another name for the capitulum?

lateral condyle

What structures originate at the medial epicondyle?

wrist flexors and pronator muscles, and Ulnar Collateral Ligament

What is another name for the trochlea?

medial condyle

What is another name for the bicipital tuberosity?

radial tuberosity

What structure protects the ulnar nerve and allows it to run through it?

cubital tunnel

Where is the bicipital bursa specifically located?

between the bicipital tuberosity and biceps muscle tendon

Where is the olecranon bursa specifically located?

between the olecranon process and the triceps muscle tendon

Radial Collateral Ligament

runs from the lateral epicondyle to the annular ligament

Accessory Lateral Collateral Ligament

runs from the inferior border of an annular ligament to the ulnar tuberosity

Annular Ligament

incircles and stabilizes the radial head and the radial notch of the ulna

Quadrate Ligament

runs from the radial neck to the ulna

Ulnar Collateral Ligament

runs from the medial epicondyle to the trochlear notch

Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament

runs from the lateral epicondyle to the ulnar tuberosity

Anterior Capsule

runs above the coronoid and radial fossas to the coronoid process of the ulna

Posterior Capsule

runs from the olecranon fossa to the trochlea

What four structures are found in the cubital fossa?

biceps tendon, brachial artery, median nerve, musculocutaneous nerve

What are the three joints that make the elbow?

humero-radial joint, humero-ulnar joint, radio-ulnar joint

Lateral Collateral Ligament Complex Sprain/Tear

Causes: repeated elbow hyperextension; elbow dislocation

Signs/Symptoms: lateral elbow pain; sensation that the elbow is going to sublux or dislocate; weakness when throwing

Treatments: if there is not a complete tear then the athlete will complete a strengthening program with a gradual return to activity in 6-8 weeks; if there is a tear then the athlete will have surgery followed by a rehab program

Olecranon Fracture

Causes: direct blow by an object; fall on a hard surface; forced elbow extension such as during the follow through phase of pitching

Signs/Symptoms: pain; severe edema surrounding the olecranon process; limited ROM; possible obvious deformity where the posterior aspect of the elbow is not as pointed or is elongated compared to the opposite side

Treatments: x-rays; cast for 4-6 weeks; strengthening after ROM is full; surgery if there is a non-union or communited fracture

Olecranon Bursitis

Causes: direct blow by an object or person; fall on a hard surface

Signs/Symptoms: pain; severe edema surrounding the olecranon process; point tenderness; redness; feeling of warmth

Treatments: ice; NSAIDs; aspiration; padding for olecranon process

Tinel’s Sign

ulnar nerve compromise

Cozen’s Test

lateral epicondylitis

Resistive Tennis Elbow Test

lateral epicondylitis

Passive Tennis Elbow Test

lateral epicondylitis

Valgus Stress Test

ulnar (medial) collateral ligament

Varus Stress Test

radial (lateral) collateral ligament

Golfer’s Elbow Test

medial epicondylitis

Elbow Flexion Test

cubital fossa syndrome

Hyperextension Test

torn or stretched anterior capsule of the elbow

Post Surgical/Acute Phase

to control inflammation and limit further damage (ice, NSAIDs, cast)

Early Exercise Phase

to regain full, pain free ROM (active ROM exercises, wall climbs, passive ROM exercises)

Intermediate Exercise Phase

cardiovascular endurance and light strengthening (treadmill, biking, theraband exercises)

Advanced Exercise Phase

maxiumum strengthening and balance (heavier dumbbell exercises, stair climber with the hands, trampoline ball tosses)

Sports Re-Entry Phase

return to sport without pain or limitations (gradual throwers’ interval program, swinging a bat, bracing or taping to prevent another injury)