elbow conditions

Humeroulnar joint

type: hinge joint

motion: flexion & extension

Articulation: trochlea of humerus + trochlear notch of ulna

primary stabilizing joint

Humeroradial joint

type: modified hinge/gliding joint

motion: assists flexion, extension, & load transmission

Articulation: capitulum of humerus + radial head

Proximal radioulnar joint

type: pivot point (trochoid)

Motion: pronation & supination

Articulation: Radial head rotating within annular ligament

Compartment syndrome Acute

•Pain within the extremity due to pressure within the muscle group(s).

•Reduced blood flow and oxygen – loss of nourishment to muscles

- Typically occurs after injury or traumatic event

• Fractures and crush injuries - most common

• Contusion

•Anabolic steroid use

•Constricting bandages

Medial (Ulnar) Collateral Ligament (MCL/UCL)

•Located on the medial aspect of the elbow

•Extends from the medial epicondyle → ulna (coronoid process/olecranon)

•Resists valgus stress

•Provides stability during throwing, pushing, and overhead activities

•Important for activities requiring dynamic elbow stability

Lateral Collateral Ligament Complex (LCL)

•Includes the radial collateral ligament (RCL) and lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL)

•Resists varus stress

•Prevents posterolateral rotatory instability

•Stabilizes elbow during forearm rotation and weight-bearing

Annular Ligament

•Encircles the radial head at the proximal radioulnar joint

•Holds the radial head against the ulna

•Allows smooth pronation and supination while maintaining stability

•Prevents radial head displacement

•Commonly involved in “nursemaid’s elbow” (radial head subluxation in children)

Compartment Syndrome-chronic

•Pain within the extremity due to pressure within the muscle group(s).

•Reduced blood flow and oxygen – loss of nourishment to muscles

•Edema of extremity due to excessive, repetitive motion or exercise (hypertrophy)

•Burns, infections, bleeding disorders

symptoms of compartment syndrome

•Pain

•Swelling

•Numbness/tingling

•Decreased ROM

•Difficulty reaching, grasping, performing ADLs/IADLs

•Muscle weakness

•Coordination difficulties

claw hand

decreased grip and pinch strength

Compartment Syndrome Intervention

•Wrist immobilization splint – worn between exercises and at night (4 weeks)

•AAROM/AROM exercises

•Functional activities – activity as tolerated

•Pain management – TENS, relaxation techniques

•Scar massage once healed from surgery

•Edema management (light compression)

Tendon gliding exercises

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

•comprised of Osborne’s ligament (cubital retinaculum) on the ceiling of the tunnel, the olecranon (lateral border), medial collateral ligament and elbow joint capsule make up the floor of the tunnel, and the medial epicondyle (medial border).

•Compression of the nerve at the elbow as it passes through the ____l (between medial epicondyle and olecranon).

•May require surgery to release ulnar nerve at medial epicondyle with moderate to severe compression (decompression or cubital tunnel or anterior relocation of ulnar nerve).

Cause of Compression- CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

-subluxation of the nerve

-Dislocations

-rheumatoid arthritis

-excessive elbow valgus, bony spurs, synovial cysts

-Trauma/direct pressure/weight bearing

-Occupational activities that cause repetitive motion or maintain repetitive motion, such as maintaining position of elbow into flexion or position of the elbow into flexion, sleeping with the elbow in a flexed position

What kinda deformity is this

claw hand deformity

Tinel’s sign

Pt: sitting/standing

Examiner: Tap the ulnar nerve in the groove between the olecranon process & medial epicondyle

positive test: tingling sensation at the ulnar distri