ELBOW INJURIES: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

He elbow The hip joint is essential for arm function, involved in repetitive and weight-bearing movements, making it susceptible to various pathologies. These injuries can lead to chronic pain and functional limitations if not properly diagnosed and treated.

In the Dr. Narváez ClinicWe offer accurate diagnosis and treatments minimally invasiveensuring an effective and rapid recovery so you can resume your daily and sporting activities without discomfort.

Common Elbow Injuries

Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis elbow)

The lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbowIt is an inflammation of the tendons that insert into the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. It is due to repetitive overload of the forearm extensor muscles, which causes micro-tears in the tendon. It affects both athletes and people who perform repetitive movements at work.

  • Symptoms:
    • Pain on the outer side of the elbow, which intensifies when extending the wrist or holding objects.
    • Weakness in grip and discomfort when performing movements such as turning a key or lifting a cup.
    • Sensitivity to touch over the lateral epicondyle.
  • Diagnosis:
    • Clinical examination with specific resistance tests.
    • Musculoskeletal ultrasound to assess tendon inflammation.
    • Magnetic resonance imaging in persistent cases to assess the structural involvement of the tendon.
  • Treatment:
    • Specialized physiotherapy with eccentric exercises and manual therapy.
    • Ultrasound-guided infiltrations with growth factors to accelerate tendon regeneration.
    • Shockwave therapy and percutaneous neuromodulation to reduce pain and improve recovery.
    • In cases resistant to conservative treatment, minimally invasive surgery for tendon debridement and repair.

Medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s elbow)

The epitrochleitis, either golfer’s elbowIt is an injury similar to epicondylitis, but it affects the tendons of the forearm flexor muscles, which insert into the epitrochlea of the humerus. It is caused by repetitive wrist flexion and forearm pronation movements.

  • Symptoms:
    • Pain on the inner side of the elbow, which increases when flexing the wrist against resistance.
    • Weakness in the hand and discomfort when performing movements such as throwing a ball or holding an object tightly.
    • Sensitivity to touch in the epitrochlea.
  • Diagnosis:
    • Clinical examination with specific provocation tests.
    • Musculoskeletal ultrasound to assess inflammation and tendon degeneration.
    • Magnetic resonance imaging in chronic cases to assess the degree of involvement.
  • Treatment:
    • Physiotherapy with progressive strengthening exercises and manual therapy.
    • Infiltrations with platelet growth factors to stimulate tendon regeneration.
    • Shockwave therapy and neuromodulation techniques to reduce inflammation and improve functionality.
    • In severe or persistent cases, arthroscopic surgery to cleanse degenerated tissue and promote repair.

Elbow cartilage injuries

He articular cartilage The cartilage at the elbow can wear down due to repetitive trauma or overuse, causing pain and limited movement. In some cases, fragments of cartilage and bone may break off, a condition known as elbow fracture. osteochondritis dissecans.

  • Symptoms:
    • Progressive pain in the elbow, especially with movement.
    • Morning stiffness and a feeling of joint locking.
    • Clicking or cracking sounds in the joint.
  • Diagnosis:
    • X-rays to assess cartilage wear.
    • Magnetic resonance imaging to detect loose fragments or cartilage lesions.
  • Treatment:
    • Viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid to improve joint lubrication and reduce friction.
    • Infiltrations with growth factors to stimulate cartilage repair.
    • In advanced cases, elbow arthroscopy to remove loose fragments and restore the articular surface.

Elbow bursitis

The olecranon bursitis It is the inflammation of the bursa located at the back of the elbow, which acts as a cushion between the skin and the bone. It can be caused by trauma, prolonged pressure on the elbow, or infections.

  • Symptoms:
    • Visible swelling at the back of the elbow.
    • Pain when resting the elbow on hard surfaces.
    • In cases of infectious bursitis, redness, local heat, and fever may occur.
  • Diagnosis:
    • Clinical examination and ultrasound to differentiate between inflammatory and septic bursitis.
    • In case of infection, analysis of the synovial fluid by puncture.
  • Treatment:
    • Compression and anti-inflammatories to reduce inflammation.
    • Ultrasound-guided drainage and infiltrations in persistent cases.
    • If the bursitis is chronic or recurrent, minimally invasive surgery to remove the inflamed bursa.

Dr. Narváez Clinic’s Approach

In the Dr. Narváez ClinicWe use techniques minimally invasive, regenerative and arthroscopic To treat elbow injuries with the greatest precision and effectiveness. If you suffer from elbow pain or limitations, we offer personalized treatment so you can regain your quality of life and return to activity without discomfort.