Diseases | The elbow joint

Diseases

  • Epicondylitis is an inflammatory painful irritation between the visual approaches of the muscles and the bony projections to which they are attached. It is caused by overuse and, depending on its location, is commonly called “tennis elbow” or “golfer’s elbow” in the region of the elbow. This disease can be treated with immobilization and the administration of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Bursitis olecrani is also caused by strong mechanical irritation and overstrain.

    It is an inflammation of the bursa in the subcutaneous fatty tissue of the elbow. This inflammation is treated by immobilising the joint, reducing mechanical stress, cooling and administering anti-inflammatory drugs. In chronic and severe cases, the bursa may even have to be removed surgically.

  • The ulnar groove syndrome is caused by pressure damage to the ulnar nerve in the area of the elbow.

    Here it runs through a palpable groove on the inside (sulcus ulnaris) and is protected only by a small amount of fatty and skin tissue. Tingling, sensation, pain and even paralysis are among the symptoms. Initially, an attempt is made to provide relief by means of relief, padding or splinting, but in some cases surgery is required to free the nerve from its too narrow tissue bed (neurolysis).

  • In addition to joint inflammation (arthritis), various fractures (fractures) and dislocations (dislocation of the joint), a form of subluxation occurs quite frequently in small children: in Chassaignac’s paralysis, traction on the still rather unstable child’s elbow joint causes a partial dislocation of the radial head, in which the annular ligament (ligamentum annulare radii) is trapped between the radial head and the humerus capitulum.

    This leads to severe pain during movement, which is why children adopt a typical relieving posture with flexion and inward rotation. By stretching and outward rotation under traction, the ring band can be brought back into the correct position quite quickly. Further immobilization or treatment is not necessary.

  • A tear in the ligamentous apparatus of the elbow joint can also occur. Often such a torn ligament is caused by jerky movements.