II. Epidemiology

  1. Adolescent males most commonly affected at elbow

III. Mechanism

IV. Risk Factors

  1. Repetitive overhead throwing, valgus stress or compression at elbow (e.g. gymnastics)

V. Etiology

  1. Traumatic origin

VI. Symptoms

  1. Dull, persistent aching pain at elbow
  2. Radial aspect is most commonly injured (typically presenting with lateral Elbow Pain)
  3. Gradual onset
  4. Associated with stiffness
  5. Occasional locking or catching Sensation (if loose body present from detached cartilage)

VII. Signs

  1. Limited Elbow Range of Motion (unable to fully extend elbow)
  2. Local tenderness
  3. Joint effusion

VIII. Radiology: Elbow XRay

  1. Capitellum affected most commonly

IX. Management

  1. Rest with or without Sling
  2. No throwing activities
  3. Surgery to remove loose bodies

X. Prognosis

  1. Good, but may have some residual elbow stiffness

Images: Related links to external sites (from Bing)

Related Studies