The elbow joint is a hinge-joint that connects the humerus in the upper-arm (with two forearm bones, radius and ulna) at its distal end. Articular cartilage lines the ends of the bones, and ligaments support both sides of the elbow joint. This is because the elbow rests near nerves and vessels serving both the upper arm, problems with those that can mimic an “elbow issue” mentioned earlier.
Fracture: Any fall, motor vehicle accident, or direct blow Whether dog bite or Human biting injury can be some of the mechanisms for sustaining fracture at the elbow. Commonly seen fractures include the Supra condylar fracture (common in the pediatric age group), Distal Humerus, Intercondylar, and Fracture Dislocations.
Dislocations: Dislocations commonly occur with a fall or the patient tries to avoid falling by using his hand for support. One of the most common is what happens in children called infantile subluxation or pulled elbow. This can occur when a child is swung by their arms or suddenly picked up jerkily catching the arm.
Tendonitis/ Tendinopathy: Lateral Epicondylitis or tennis elbow will have a pain on the lateral aspect of the elbow. The common extensor tendon is the one involved in this condition. Medial Epicondylitis/ Golfer’s elbow– Pain at the inner side of the elbow joint because here common flexor tendons are attached which leads to medial epicondylitis.
Elbow arthritis can occur as a result of mechanical wear and tear to the joint articulating surfaces or secondary to trauma. Auto immune conditions e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis Gout-which can lead to the Degeneration of the joint
Bursitis: Bursae are sac-like structures and may get packed with fluid leading to inflammation and pain. The most commonly-seen around the elbow was olecranon bursitis
Osteochondritis dissecans: Often seen in adolescents, this condition results when a small piece of bone becomes avascular (as the cartilage and the underlying bone fragments). This causes pain on physical exertion. Most of these cases are treated conservatively.
Some injuries take time to develop as you repeat certain motions causing your elbow wear and tear. This could be playing a sport or on workplace accidents in any number of situations, from factories to officers.