Elbow Joint
The elbow joint is the hinge joint located in the centre of the arm. This is the place where the ends of your arm bone (humerus) and the top ends of your two forearm bones (radius and ulna) meet together. The bony projection at the rear of the joint, sometimes known as the funny bone, is the “Olecranon”. The bones of the joint are surrounded by a soft tissue cover called “the capsule”, and they are linked together by strong ligaments which stabilise the joint. The bone surfaces within the joint is covered by a smooth slippery white lining called the “Cartilage” which may become damaged during the wear & tear arthritis process.
As described earlier, the elbow joint acts as a “Hinge” joint. It’s main movements either bends or straightens the arm, but is also involved in the more complex motion of turning the hand over so the palm faces up or down. Therefore elbow joint plays an important role to position the hand allowing us to perform the activities of our daily living, work and sport.
Herebelow are some of the conditions affecting the elbow joint;
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition affecting the outside of the elbow. Although it is common in tennis players and other racquet-sport participants, it frequently occurs in people who do not play tennis at all. It is usually related to overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, particularly those involved in gripping, lifting, and bending the wrist backwards. The tendon most commonly affected is the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), where it attaches to the outer side of the elbow. Learn more …
Golfer Elbow
Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is similar to tennis elbow but is less common. Although it was originally described in golfers, it can also occur in people who do not play golf at all. It usually affects the inner side of the elbow.
The usual symptoms are pain and tenderness on the inner (medial) side of the elbow, particularly over the bony prominence called the medial epicondyle. The pain is often aggravated by activities such as grasping, lifting, opening a jar, bending the wrist or rotating the forearm, and it may sometimes spread down the forearm. Some patients may also notice a degree of weakness in grip. Learn More...
Ulna Nerve Compression (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)
Cubital tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure or irritation of the ulnar nerve as it passes around the inside of the elbow, behind the bony prominence called the medial epicondyle. This is the area commonly referred to as the “funny bone”. Because the nerve lies close to the skin at this point, a knock to the elbow can produce a sudden electric shock or tingling sensation. The nerve may become irritated by repeated elbow bending, prolonged pressure on the elbow, or tightening of the tissues around it. Learn More...
Pain in the back of the elbow
There are various causes for the patient to complain of pain in the back of the elbow, which are as follows; Learn More...
Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture
This is a common injury among the sportsmen/sportswomen. It occurs when the Biceps tendon snaps away from it’s attachment in the elbow. The patient may has pain and bruising around the front of the elbow followed by a noticeable “lump” in the arm later on. This injury needs to be diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Learn More... Elbow Dislocation / Fracture
Fractures and dislocations around the elbow are medical emergencies. Therefore, it is strongly advisable for all these patients to attend the nearest Accident and Emergency unit for urgent assessment and treatment. Learn More... |
