Elbow injuries

BONES:

  • radius

  • ulna 

  • humerus (funny bone)

Muscles:

Biceps

  • two heads — common tendon

  1. long 

  2. short 

Triceps Brachii

  • three heads — one tendon 

  1. long 

  2. lateral 

  3. medial

— extends elbow joint

Wrist flexors 

  • palmar side

muscles 

  • flexor carpi radialis

  • flexor carpi ulnaris

  • palmaris longus 

LIGAMENTS

  1. Radial (lateral)

— collateral ligament

  1. Ulnar (medial)

— collateral ligament

  1. Annular ligament 

— radius rotating over ulna

OBSERVSTION

  • elbow triangle

  • normal appearance

  • Carrying angle

  1. cubital varus

  2. cubital valgus

INJURIES

UCL (MCL) Sprain

— seen most often in throwing and racquet sports

S/S

  • loss of throwing velocity or control

  • restricted flexion

  • (+) Valgus Stress Test

Treatment

Incomplete tear:

  • rest 

  • NSAID’s

  • gradual strengthening 

Surgical Intervention

  • “tommy john” surgery

Fracture

S/S

  • trauma

  • possible deformity

  • pain over the sight of fracture

Treatment

  • splint and refer

  • monitor blood supply

Medial Epicondylitis

— inflammation of flexor tendons on medial side

S/S 

  • pain which increases with activity

Treatment

  • ice 

  • NSAID’s

  • rest

  • taped

Lateral Epicondylitis

— tennis elbow

— inflammation of extensor tendons on lateral side

S/S 

  • gradual onset of pain 

  • weakened grip strength 

  • decreased ROM

Dislocation

S/S

  • deformity

  • swelling

  • severe pain

  • decreased blood supply

Treatment

  • monitor nerve supply

  • monitor pulse

  • transport

Olecranon Bursitis

— falls directly on posterior elbow

Treatment

  • compression

  • ice