II. Pathophysiology
- Olecranon impingement within the olecranon fossa
- May stimulate the formation of osteophytes with chronic impingement
- Young athletes
- Results from repetitive valgus stress with elbow in hyperextension (e.g. throwing javelin)
- Older patients
- Osteoarthritis related osteophyte formation
III. Symptoms
-
Posterior Elbow pain
- Provoked on full elbow extension
IV. Signs
- Provoked with passive elbow extension
- Fixed flexion deformity (unable to fully extend due to posterior osteophyte)
V. Imaging
-
Elbow XRay
- May demonstrate ostephyte
VI. Management
- Avoid provocative activities (i.e. full elbow extension)
- Arthroscopy with osteotomy of posterior osteophytes
- Indicated in refractory cases