Elbow Injuries

The main function of the elbow is to act as a hinge joint for bending and straightening your arms. It is formed by three bones:

• Humerus: This is the bone in the upper arm that meets the elbow.
• Radius: One of two forearm bones, located on the side of the thumb. It has a function of rotating the forearm.
• Ulna: The other forearm bone, which is on the pinky side. It is more prominent at the elbow where it forms the bony point of the elbow called the olecranon. 

There are several important ligaments that support the elbow: These are: 

• Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL): This ligament, located on the medial aspect of the elbow, is also vital for stability and becomes even more important in throwing activities.
• Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL): These ligaments are located on the outside of the elbow. This ligament stabilizes the elbow through most movements.

Several muscles also attach to the elbow.

• Biceps Brachii: This muscle bends the elbow and rotates the forearm.
• Triceps Brachii: The muscle is responsible for straightening the elbow.

Elbow trauma may involve acute injury, such as a fall or direct trauma, or more chronic injury, as seen in many athletes or factory and manual labor employees. These kinds of injuries can cause a number of conditions, such as tendonitis, ligament tears, and fractures. Some common types of elbow injuries are:

1. Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injuries: UCL injuries are common in athletes, especially those who throw frequently, such as baseball pitchers. They can go from mild sprains, to complete tears, that lead to pain and instability.
2. Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures: This is when the tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the elbow gets torn off the bone. It typically occurs with heavy lifting or other abrupt movements, resulting in a sudden sharp pain and a noticeable bulge in the upper arm.
3. Elbow dislocations: The bones of the elbow are displaced out of their normal position, typically due to a fall or other impact. It leads to extreme pain and swelling.
4. Tendonitis: This is irritation of the tendons surrounding the elbow. Common types include:
   • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Pain develops on the outside of the elbow as a result of overuse of the forearm muscles.
   • Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis): Pain is felt on the inner side of the elbow and is also due to overuse.
5. Fractures: Elbow fractures can be caused by falls, direct trauma, or accidents, typically causing severe pain and swelling. The three common varieties are fractures that involve the radial head, olecranon, and supracondyle, respectively. Symptoms generally consist of a restricted range of motion, tenderness, and deformity in extreme cases. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for proper healing and function restoration.
6. Olecranon Bursitis: Olecranon bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac located at the back of the elbow that reduces friction. It can become inflamed and painful from repetitive forces, like leaning on that elbow, or from direct trauma. Localized swelling, tenderness, and limited range of motion are some of the symptoms. Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications and, on occasion, aspiration of the bursa to relieve pressure, are usually the treatments.