Elbow Sports Injuries
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a very common diagnosis. In athletes and heavy manual workers, a number of other elbow injuries can appear like Tennis Elbow and need an experienced clinician to differentiate them from Tennis Elbow. Tennis Elbow typically causes pain over the bony prominence on the outer side of the elbow. It is not only seen in racquet sports, but any sport where repetitive twisting and extension of the wrist against resistance is required. The treatment involves a combination of physiotherapy and injections. Surgery is sometimes required. More importantly, the cause of the Tennis Elbow should be found and treated (e.g. too small a racquet grip).
Golfers Elbow
Golfer’s Elbow is identical to Tennis Elbow, but occurs on the inner side of the elbow. The treatment is similar.
Locking/Clicking Elbow
Locking and/or painful clicking of the elbow joint is usually due to ‘loose bodies’ or arthritis of the elbow. The loose bodies are usually bits of the cartilage lining of the joint which break off and float in the joint. In certain positions they can cause the joint to click or lock. Sometimes they may only cause pain, similar to tennis elbow. An x-ray or scan may be required to tell the difference.
Distal Biceps Rupture
Ruptures of the distal biceps are usually seen in heavy lifting athletes and workers, particularly bodybuilders and strength athletes.
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) generally occurs in adolescents, with pain and sometimes clicking of the elbow.
Posterior Impingement
Sports which involve repetitive hyperextension of the elbow, such as tennis and boxing can lead to posterior impingement. This presents as pain over the back (posterior) of the elbow on straightening the elbow.
Elbow Dislocations
Dislocations of the elbow need to be reduced urgently. If there is still instability and/or fractures these need to be treated early to prevent long-term problems. The range of injuries in the elbow associated with a dislocation is complex and requires expert management.