Elbow, Wrist, & Hand! Today...

Elbow: Anatomy, Injuries, Treatment, & Rehabilitation

Bones of the Elbow zHumerus zRadius zulna

Ligaments of the Elbow zMedial Collateral zLateral Collateral zAnnular ligament

Muscles of the Elbow zBiceps zTriceps zBrachialis

Elbow Dislocation zMay result in serious damage to ligaments, arteries, veins, and nerves zparalysis of the fingers, arm, or hand is possible

Treatment: Elbow Dislocation zDon’t move the injury! zSplint it as it is and apply icepacks. zGo to ER immediately.

Elbow Hyperextension zElbow is forced past its usual range of motion (ROM) zathlete will keep the elbow in a bent position and won’t want to straighten the arm

TX: Hyperextension zRICE method zcheck for deformity, swelling, discoloration, and point tenderness

Tennis Elbow zInflammation of the lateral epicondoyle of the humerus

Tennis Elbow zCauses: overuse, weakness, poor technique, lack of flexibility, or inadequate warmup

Tennis Elbow zAthlete will experience general weakness of the muscles of the lower arm

Little League Elbow zOccurs in younger athletes when the muscle is stronger than the bone zMuscle pulls away a bone chip from the arm

Little League Elbow zPossible for ulnar nerve to be injured, resulting in numbness, weakness, or tingling of the forearm, hand, or fingers (check CSM!!!)

TX: LL Elbow zRICE zsee physician or go to ER

Wrist & Hand: Anatomy, Injuries, Treatment, & Rehabilitation

Bones: Wrist & Hand zDistal ends of the radius and ulna zcarpals zmetacarpals zphalanges

Wrist Sprains & Fractures zMost common of all the upper extremity injuries zbecause there are so many small wrist bones, always see a doctor to check for fractures

TX: Sprains & Fractures zRICE method zalways check for point tenderness zCheck CSM!!!

Sprained Thumb zVery common in basketball zsprain of the M-P joint at the base of the thumb

Sprained Thumb zSee physician, especially if there is pain going up through the wrist or the athlete is unable to pinch the thumb & forefinger together

Jammed Finger zSprain of the PIP joint zusually very painful but pain does not last zRICE z“buddy taping”

Dislocated Finger zObvious deformity, swelling, pain zsplint as is--do not try to reduce the dislocation! zRICE, CSM

Mallet Finger zCaused by a direct blow zextensor tendon of one of the distal phalanges is torn from the bone

Mallet Finger zTendon may pull off part of the bone (called an avulsion fracture)

Mallet Finger zThe athlete won’t be able to hold the finger straight; the finger will appear to be hanging zRICE, immediate transport to ER

Ripped Hands zCaused by severe calluses (common in gymnastics) zbest treatment is prevention!