This page gives some outline treatment and referral advice for common elbow conditions.
[/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion active_section=”20″][vc_tta_section title=”Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow” tab_id=”1524751134308-1a2982d7-aea0″][vc_column_text]90% resolve < 1yeaInitial treatment
- Physio + Activity modification + (splints)
Eccentric exercise programme for at least 6 weeks
- Steroid
40mg kenalog (1ml) + <5ml chirocaine (0.5%)
Symptoms return in 2/3 within 3 months
When to refer
Traumatic onset
Failed steroid
Severe symptoms
Greater than 1 year[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulna Nerve compression at the elbow)” tab_id=”1524751134328-a67a0c74-bf83″][vc_column_text]2nd Most common compression neuropathy
- Management
Severity dependant
Conservative – activity modification
When to refer
Severity or deterioration
Motor symptoms
- Surgery = Decompression
- Symptoms
Catching / Snapping / Locking
Can’t push out of chair
Can’t do press up
- Ask – History of dislocation
Think instability - Xray reasonable 1st line
- Locking but no dislocation
Loose body
Osteo Chondritis Desicans (typically young girls / gymnasts)
When to Refer
Any troublesome symptoms[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Arthritis” tab_id=”1524751250606-00a3f859-c679″][vc_column_text]
- Osteoarthritis
Starts at radiocapitellar joint - 2 main types
Type 1 – younger patients (40-60 ish)
Hypertrophic – ostephytes
Type 2 – Older
Pain from joint itself
When to refer
Based on symptoms
Type 1 – Respond well to debridement = OK procedure or arthroscopy.
Type 2 – Injections / Interposition / Total Elbow Replacement[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row]