Elbow
Elbow Arthroscopy
Elbow Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique where 2-4 small incisions are made around the elbow and a small camera and instruments are used. Elbow arthroscopy is utilized to remove loose bodies, address cartilage defects, and resect bone spurs.
Tommy John Surgery
Tommy John Surgery or reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow, is a procedure well known by throwing athletes. The surgery involves reconstructing the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow.
Cause
A tear to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow is commonly seen in pitchers and is caused by repetitive trauma to the elbow caused by continued stress to the elbow. The tear can occur gradually over time or from an acute injury, such as after one pitch.
Symptoms
A tear in the UCL will result in pain typically noted on the inside of the elbow.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on your activity level, level of play in your sport, and desire to continue to play. Treatment is also dependent on several tear characteristics such as severity and location of the tear.
Conservative Options (non-surgical)
Conservative treatment options include complete rest from throwing, physical therapy and sometimes injections to help the ligament heal.
Surgical Options
The surgical option for ligament repair is Tommy John Surgery. This is the reconstruction of the injured ligament using a graft. Most commonly the palmaris tendon in the forearm or the gracilis tendon of your leg is used.
Biceps Repair
A significant flexion force on the bicep can cause the tendon to rupture at the elbow, this is known as a distal biceps rupture. This injury is commonly noted as a pop in the elbow while lifting something.
Cause
The distal biceps tendon is torn when the arm is contracted with significant force usually with the elbow bent at 90 degrees. This force is most common from lifting heavy objects.
Symptoms
Symptoms include hearing a pop while lifting something heavy, bruising and swelling in the elbow and forearm, weakness, and a bulge in the upper part of the arm.
Treatment
Operative options
It is very important to treat these injuries as soon as possible as it becomes more difficult to treat chronic ruptures of the tendon. The tendon is repaired by making an incision near the elbow crease and using a strong suture to secure the tendon and pass the tendon through a hole drilled at the insertion on the radius and held in place with a metal button and screw.
Tennis Elbow/Golf Elbow
Golf and Tennis elbow, otherwise known as medial and lateral epicondylitis, respectively are common tendinopathies of the elbow. Golf elbow occurs on the inside of the elbow and tennis elbow to the outside. Although commonly caused by these sports, they can be caused by other activities just as easy.
Cause
Golf and tennis elbow occur because of continued force and contraction of the muscles that originate at the elbow. The muscles that originate at the elbow are responsible for flexion of the wrist (golf elbow) and extension of the wrist (tennis elbow).
Symptoms
Symptoms of these conditions include pain and weakness in your grip.
Treatment
Conservative Options (non-surgical)
Treatment of these conditions include rest and avoidance of the activity that causes irritation, antiinflammatories to help relieve pain, and sometimes a steroid injection into the painful area. Physical therapy is often a part of treatment as well.