Elbow injuries are some of the most common yet often overlooked trauma that can affect individuals of all ages and activity levels. Common elbow injuries, ranging from sprains and strains to fractures and dislocations, can cause significant pain, limit the range of motion, and even disrupt the lifestyle.

Click here to learn more about this topic on the lecture: 'Rehabilitation Following Elbow Trauma' by Val Jones

How do we recognize some common traumatic elbow injuries?

1. Elbow Dislocation

Elbow joint is the second most commonly dislocated joint in the body. An elbow dislocation occurs when the radius and ulna move out of their normal position relative to the humerus.

How does it occur?

▪︎ Fall on outstretched hand, especially with the elbow in hyperextension 

▪︎ Sporting activities 

▪︎ Motor vehicle collisions

Signs and symptoms of elbow dislocation

☑︎ Severe pain: The elbow may be extremely painful, especially when attempting to move the joint.

☑︎ Deformity: The elbow may appear visibly deformed or out of place.

☑︎ Swelling and bruising: Medial or lateral bruising on elbow

☑︎ Limited range of motion: The affected person may be unable to bend or straighten the arm due to the dislocation.

☑︎ Numbness or tingling: The injury may affect nerves, leading to sensations of numbness or tingling, particularly in the forearm or hand.

☑︎ Instability: The elbow may feel unstable or "loose," and it may not be able to bear weight or perform normal movements.

2. Distal Biceps Tear

A distal biceps tear refers to a rupture or tear of the biceps tendon at its attachment to the radius bone in the forearm, near the elbow.

How does it occur?

▪︎ Sudden forceful load: The most common cause is a sudden, forceful load or strain on the biceps, such as when lifting a heavy object or during activities like weightlifting, sports, or trying to lift or pull something unexpectedly.

▪︎ Repetitive stress: Overuse or repetitive strain on the elbow, especially in activities that involve twisting, lifting, or pulling, can weaken the tendon and increase the risk of tearing.

▪︎ Aging and degeneration: As people age, the tendon becomes weaker and more prone to injury, even with less force or stress.

▪︎ Trauma or injury: Direct trauma to the elbow or arm, like a fall or accident, can result in a tear.

▪︎ Previous tendinosis or injury: Chronic inflammation of the tendon (tendinosis) can increase the risk of a tear, especially in older adults.

What are the signs and symptoms of distal biceps tear?

☑︎ Deformed or "Popeye's sign"

☑︎ ‘Snap’ or ‘pop’ sound 

☑︎ Loss in strength 

☑︎ Sudden pain in elbow 

☑︎ Visible bruises

☑︎ Swelling on forearm 

3. Radial Head Fracture

A radial head fracture refers to a break in the radial head, which is the top part of the radius bone in the forearm that connects to the elbow joint. This type of fracture often occurs as a result of a direct blow to the elbow or a fall onto an outstretched hand. It is commonly seen in activities such as sports, accidents, or falls.

What are the types of radial head fractures?

➡︎ Type 1 - Undisplaced (62% of all radial head fractures)
➡︎ Type 2 - Displaced 
➡︎ Type 3 - Comminuted, totally displaced 
➡︎ Type 4 - Combines radial head fracture with elbow dislocation

Signs and Symptoms

☑︎ Lack of elbow extension: One of the major red flags of an elbow fracture is lack of elbow extension 

☑︎ Pain: The most common symptom is pain around the elbow, which may worsen with movement or pressure on the joint.

☑︎ Swelling: Swelling is often visible around the elbow and forearm, particularly after the injury occurs.

☑︎ Bruising: Bruising can develop around the elbow joint, extending to the forearm.

Source:
1. Lecture ‘Rehabilitation Following Elbow Trauma’ by Val Jones