The Elbow

“Tennis elbow” or Lateral Epicondylitis causes pain over the outside of the elbow. It is not only caused by racquet sports but can occur with any activity where repeated twisting and extension of the wrist is required.

The condition can be caused by degeneration or tears of the tendons attaching to the lateral (outside) epicondyle.

Similarly, “Golfer’s elbow” or Medial Epicondylitis is caused by problems with the tendons attaching to the medial (inside) epicondyle.

Treatment often involves a combination of physiotherapy, bracing and steroid and/or Platelet-rich Plasma (PrP) injections.

Surgery may sometimes be required. Prevention programmes focused on warm-up stretches, and equipment changes such as racquet grip sizing are important.

Olecranon Bursitis or “Popeye Elbow” causes swelling and redness of the posterior tip of the elbow.

Bursitis can be caused acutely by falling on the tip of the elbow or by repetitive leaning the tip of the elbow on a hard surface.

It has been associated with repetitive motion in golf and racquet sports, and inflammatory conditions such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis.

Many patients may have a bone spur or “enthesophyte” at the tip causing further irritation of the sac-like bursa.

As the bursa becomes inflamed it secretes extra fluid within its closed cavity. Rest, anti -inflammatory medications and antibiotics (if infected) are required.

Patients who develop recurrent problems need surgery to have the bursa and the bone spur removed.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is caused by entrapment of the ulnar nerve on the inside of the elbow.

Patients may describe “pins and needles” from the inside of their elbow travelling down to the ring and little fingers.

As the compression on the nerve gets worse or is prolonged, the patient may notice wasting of the inside of the forearm or the back of the hand.

After appropriate investigations, your surgeon may advise surgical release of the nerve behind the elbow.

Ruptures of the lower attachment of the biceps muscle are usually seen in heavy lifting athletes, such as bodybuilders, and manual workers. It occurs most commonly in men over 35 year of age.

The tendon ruptures with a very strong contraction of the biceps muscle. Patients describe a “pop” at the front of the elbow followed by pain and bruising. The muscle can retract upwards into the arm resulting in the “Popeye” sign.

Without surgical repair, patients describe weakness of the elbow and forearm causing difficulty twisting a screwdriver, turning a key and lifting weights.

Surgery involves reattaching the tendon down through bone tunnels. Patients can start moving their elbow soon after the surgery but lifting must be avoided for at least 6
weeks following repair.

Damage to the ligaments around the elbow can cause instability. This can occur following a fracture or in people involved in throwing activities.

Long term problems with elbow instability can cause increased wear inside the joint and repair or reconstruction of the ligaments may be recommended.

This is usually done by an open procedure and depends on the needs of the patient e.g. the sport they play, their age and other considerations.

Fractures can occur following a fall causing bone injury alone or with joint displacement and ligament damage.

If fragmented or displaced, the elbow may require open surgical repair and possible replacement with a partial or
complete artificial joint (prosthesis).

The orthopaedic evaluation of your elbow consists of three components:

• Your medical history to gather information regarding current complaints, symptoms, pain and effect on your activities; previous injuries; previous treatments with medications or surgery.

• Physical examination to assess any swelling, tenderness, range of motion, weakness, instability and/or deformity of the elbow.

• Diagnostic tests, such as x-rays of the elbow and forearm; Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be useful in assess soft tissues of the elbow; Computed tomography (CT) scan is used to assess the bony parts of the elbow.

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopic or “key-hole” surgery is where your surgeon inserts a thin, pencil sized camera with a lens and lighting system, into your elbow joint through small incisions.

The camera captures images that are viewed on a TV monitor allowing the surgeon to make a diagnosis.

Using other arthroscopic instruments, repairs can be carried out depending on what is required.

Open Surgery

Open surgery may be necessary depending on the cause of your elbow problem. Incisions of varying lengths and locations are made to facilitate the open surgery based on the specific procedure.

Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is essential to maximize the success of any elbow surgery, and commitment to a structured rehabilitation programme is a fundamental part of your
recovery.

Recovery and rehabilitation is related to the type of surgery performed inside the elbow and should be closely followed in consultation with your orthopaedic surgeon and chartered physiotherapist/occupational therapist.

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