1. Elbow & Forearm Injuries
Sprains and Strains
Elbow & Forearm Injuries

2. Introduction Sprains and Strains
Have you ever sustained an injury to your elbow?
Where was the pain located?
Did the injury produce swelling?
What was done to treat the injury?

3. Objectives Students will be able to: Sprains and Strains
Indentify the S&S of injuries to the elbow and forearm
Identify the appropriate Tx for injuries to the elbow and forearm

4. Terminology Sprains and Strains
Elbow hyperextension: The elbow is forced beyond normal extension, which damages the ligaments, tendons and muscles of the elbow.
Occurs more frequently in contact sports. (rugby, football, certain martial arts, rodeo, etc.).

5. Strains Sprains and Strains Biceps Brachii Triceps Brachii
anterior view
posterior view

6. Sprains and Strains
Any sport that subjects an athlete to repetitive elbow flexion, extension, valgus and varus forces or wrist motion can cause a sprain or strain.

7. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Sprains and Strains
Mechanism
Repetitive stress/poor mechanics to the wrist extensor tendons
In what other industrial occupations would this injury
occur?
Signs & Symptoms
Pain over lateral epicondyle.
Minimal swelling
Movements such as gripping, lifting and carrying tend to be troublesome.
Treatment
RICE, support (elbow strap), decrease activity, mild stretching and strengthening

8. Little Leaguer’s Elbow/Golfer’s Elbow(Medial Epicondylitis)
Sprains and Strains
Mechanism
Repetitive throwing
Stress to wrist flexor tendons
Signs & Symptoms
Pain over the medial epicondyle
Inflammation
Treatment
RICE, support (elbow strap), decrease activity, mild stretching and strengthening

9. Ulnar Collateral Ligament Sprain (UCL Sprain)
Sprains and Strains
Mechanism Repetitive stress to medial aspect of the elbow that stretches the Ulnar Collateral ligament What activities would place stress on the medial elbow? Signs & Symptoms Pain over medial elbow Swelling Joint laxity Treatment RICE, elastic bandage, decrease activity Severe injury may need to be splinted

10. Elbow Hyperextension Sprains and Strains
Mechanism Elbow forced into hyperextension Signs & Symptoms Pain on the anterior aspect of the elbow May have pain on Olecranon fossa Inflammation Treatment RICE, elastic bandage, decrease activity, taping for return-to-play