Common Elbow Injuries
Lateral Epicondylalgia is commonly referred to as tennis elbow and incorrectly referred to as lateral epicondylitis. Lateral Epicondylalgia is a non inflammatory condition which affects the origin of the extensors of the wrist. It is thought that compression of the extensor tendons over the lateral epicondyle of the elbow results in this degenerative tendon condition. Compression of the tendons over the lateral epicondyle results in changes in the underlying structure of the tendon resulting in a matrix of tendon substance that is poorly arranged. These changes allow the in-growth of small blood vessels which also contain nerves into regions of the tendon which normally do not have blood vessels. These nerves are stimulated by using the arm and stressing the tendon with activities such as tennis. In order to decrease pain in the region specific exercises need to be performed which cause changes in the tendon structure through a process called mechanotransduction. In order to resolve this issue these exercises must be performed consistently over extended periods normally in the region of 3-6 months.
Medial Epicondylalgia (Golfers Elbow) is commonly referred to as golfers elbow and incorrectly referred to as medial epicondylitis. Medial Epicondylalgia is a non inflammatory condition which affects the origin of the flexors of the wrist. It is thought that compression of the flexor tendons over the medial epicondyle of the elbow results in this degenerative tendon condition. Compression of the tendons over the medial epicondyle results in changes in the underlying structure of the tendon resulting in a matrix of tendon substance that is poorly arranged. These changes allow the in-growth of small blood vessels which also contain nerves into regions of the tendon which normally do not have blood vessels. These nerves are stimulated by using the arm and stressing the tendon with activities such as golf. In order to decrease pain in the region specific exercises need to be performed which cause changes in the tendon structure through a process called mechanotransduction. In order to resolve this issue these exercises must be performed consistently over extended periods normally in the region of 3-6 months.
Elbow Dislocation of the elbow normally results after a traumatic incident such as a fall. The Ligaments and capsule which hold the elbow joint in place are torn and the lower part of the arm slides up relative to the top of the arm. If neural and vascular structures are not compromised the elbow is normally managed in a sling with physiotherapy to assist with regaining range of motion and strength in the affected elbow. Typical recovery is between 6-12 weeks depending on the degree and severity of the dislocation.Radial collateral ligament tear. The radial collateral ligament is the ligament that hold the radius (one of the bones of the forearm) and the humerus together. It is torn when the forearm is forced towards the midline of the body with the upper arm fixed. This injury often occurs in contact sports or when falling on a fixed arm. Management of this injury is with relative rest and physiotherapy. Typical healing of this sprain occurs in 4-6 weeks depending on the severity of the injury.
Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear. The ulnar collateral ligament is the ligament that hold the ulnar (one of the bones of the forearm) and the humerus together. It is torn when the forearm is forced away from the midline of the body with the upper arm fixed. This injury often occurs in contact sports or when falling on a fixed arm. Management of this injury is with relative rest and physiotherapy. Typical healing of this sprain occurs in 4-6 weeks depending on the severity of the injury.
Superior Radial Ulnar Joint Injury. The superior radial ulnar joint is the joint that connects the bones of the forearm near the elbow. It allows the palm of the hand to be positioned in an upwards position towards the ceiling and in a downwards position towards the floor. It can be injured with an impact to the elbow or by landing on an outstretched hand. There is pain when the hand is turned up or down and when gripping objects. Superior radial ulnar joint injuries recover quickly with physiotherapy treatment which includes mobilisation soft tissue work and exercise.
