Common Elbow Conditions

The biceps muscle attaches to one of the bones in the forearm. It can be injured and tear from its attachment, often when lifting a heavy weight or trying to catch something heavy. When this happens, patients often feel a pop in their elbow, and have weakness with motions. In some instances this can be treated without surgery, but will likely result in weakness. Surgical repair is recommended for more active patients who want to maintain their function.

This injury occurs when the bones of the elbow joint are forced out of alignment, typically after a fall onto an outstretched hand. The severity can range from a simple dislocation with only bone displacement to a complex dislocation involving bone fractures. Treatment ranges from a closed reduction procedure to surgical intervention.

An elbow OCD lesion can occur with a specific trauma, but often times there is no known cause. When the cartilage lesion becomes unstable, it can cause pain and mechanical symptoms in the elbow. Treatment typically first involves rest, to see if the cartilage can heal on its own. If it does not, elbow arthroscopy may be required to debride the lesion or attempt to restore the cartilage.

Similar to tennis elbow, this condition causes pain on the inside of the elbow due to overuse. It can affect golfers, but also people who perform repetitive gripping activities. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. More severe cases may require other interventions like corticosteroid injections or surgery.

This condition occurs when the bursa at the tip of the elbow becomes inflamed, often due to a direct blow to the elbow, leaning on the elbow for long periods, or infection. Treatment often includes rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. In cases of infection, antibiotics or aspiration may be required.

This condition is an overuse injury causing pain on the outside of the elbow, often due to repetitive motion such as swinging a tennis racket or other work activities. Treatment typically includes rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. In more severe or persistent cases, other interventions like corticosteroid injections, shock wave therapy, or surgery may be considered.

This injury often occurs in athletes who are involved in repetitive overhead throwing activities, such as baseball pitchers. Severity can range from a mild sprain to a complete tear. Treatment options can range from rest, physical therapy, and bracing for minor injuries to surgical reconstruction for complete tears.