Etiology:

Elbow injuries may range from minor trauma, to severe deformities and dysfunction and occur due to excessive hand and forearm use, and lifting or carrying weight. Difficult, excessive and challenging tasks at work, or artistic, sports, gymnastic activities, accidents and injuries all may adversely effect the elbow. All hand functions affect the elbow. Hand or wrist overuse or injuries result invariably in elbow dysfunction. An important example is the now "pervasive repetitive stress syndrome." Other common injuries are fracture, muscle strain, tendonitis, bursitis, lateral epicondylitis, pinched nerves, etc. See full list below .

Symptoms and signs of elbow problems include: pain, reduced mobility in the elbow joint, and muscle weakness. Nerve entrapments (pinched nerves) at the elbow and forearm compromise hand function. Tennis elbow, a repetitive stress syndrome, is a commonly encountered orthopedic condition.

 

The Danger of Permanent Disability:

Injury may traumatize the elbow. In addition to the aforementioned, trauma results in muscle imbalance and accelerated, so-called traumatic arthritis. Traumatic arthritis causes deformity, stiffness, misalignment, chronic pain and loss of function. To prevent disability, it is critical to receive early diagnosis and treatment, usually physical therapy.

 

Elbow Injuries and Conditions in Orthopedic Practice:

· Orthopedic Injuries of the Elbow

· Sports Injuries of the Elbow

· Elbow Fracture

· Ulnar Fracture

· Fracture of Radius or Radial Fracture

· Fracture of Humerus or Humeral Fracture

· Elbow Strain and Sprain

· Tendonitis of the Elbow area

· Olecranon Bursitis

· Myofascial pain Syndrome

· Trigger Point Disease

· Osteoarthritis

· Rheumatoid Arthritis

· Repetitive Stress Syndrome

· Lateral Epicondylitis or Tennis Elbow

· Medial Epicondylitis or Golf Elbow

· Nerve Entrapment Syndrome of the Elbow Area

· Pinched Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow

· Cubital Tunnel Syndrome at the "Funny Bone"

· Pronator Syndrome

· Supinator Syndrome

· Nerve Lesions due to Injuries

 

Diagnostic Considerations:

Before treatment options are contemplated, a thorough differential diagnostic evaluation and assessment is necessary. The evaluation of the elbow may necessitate x-ray studies and other tests, such as an MRI scan, or diagnostic ultrasound. In addition, an EMG study (electromyography) may be necessary.

 

Conservative Treatment or Surgery

Most elbow problems respond positively to conservative, non-operative treatment. After the diagnosis is established, an individualized treatment plan is designed to maximize healing. Patients may receive physical therapy in our state-of-the-art physical therapy facility. The facility is outfitted with the best equipment, that today physical rehabilitation can offer.

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Remember!

Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent chronic pain, surgery and permanent disability.

To schedule an appointment, call 212-758-4688

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