Class 10: Elbow Injuries

Name the muscles that cross the joint

• triceps

• biceps

• wrist flexors and pronators

• wrist extensors and supinators

• brachioradialis

Three main ligaments that make up the elbow capsule

• Ulnar collateral-medial

• radial collateral-lateral

• annular ligaments-radius to ulna

Difference between supracondylar fracture and a radial head fracture

• Supracondylar fracture

  • MOI: FOOSH, rare, often seen in children, posterior deformity

• Radial head fracture

  • MOI: FOOSH, most common

FOOSH = Fall on outstretched hand

MOI, sx, tx, and reduction of an ulnar dislocation

• Ulnar dislocation

  • MOI: traumatic hyperextension, severe blow to lateral aspect

  • Posterior dislocation

  • Obvious deformity, associated fracture, ligament damage

  • Tx: splint, refer out immediately

Tennis elbow

Also called LATERAL epicondylitis. Causes pain on the outside of the elbow

Golfers Elbow

Also called MEDIAL epicondylitis. Causes pain on the inside of the elbow.

Basic understanding of a Tommy John surgery

• Step 1: in a common technique, the surgeon drills tunnels in the ulna and the base of the humerus

• Step 2: a tendon usually taken from the forearm or leg, is threaded through the holes in a figure 8 pattern

• Step 3: The tendon then functions as a ligament, stabilizing the joint by holding the bones in place

Notes: average recovery time 18.5 months.

MOI, sx, and tx for UCL tears (sprains)

Ulnar collateral ligament sprains

• MOI: overuse, overhead throwers, valgus stress

• Sx: Medial pain, swelling, laxity, numbness/tingling, loss of velocity/control

• Tx: PRICES, refer to rule out fracture, rehab wrist flexors, Tommy John Surgery

MOI, sx, and tx for RCL tears (sprains)

Radial collateral ligament sprain

• Less common

• MOI: Varus stress

• Sx: lateral pain, swelling, laxity

• Tx: rehab extensors, PRICES (protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation, support)