Elbow Anatomy
The elbow is hinge joint formed by the humerus (upper arm bone) and the ulna & radius (two forearm bones). The humerus and the ulna form the largest component of the hinge joint that constitutes the elbow. The radius is also part of the elbow joint but the motion between the radius and humerus primarily helps in rotating the forearm in a palm up (supination) or palm down (pronation) direction. The end of the humerus has two prominent ridges on it at the elbow joint. The ridge on the outside (lateral) part of the elbow is called the lateral epicondyle and the ridge on the inside part of the elbow is called the medial epicondyle. All of the muscles in the forearm that cause the fist to close and the wrist to flex are attached to a common tendon that originates from the medial epicondyle. All of the forearm muscles that open the fist and extend the wrist are attached to a common tendon that originates from the lateral epicondyle. Ligaments connect bone to bone and cross the elbow joint for stability. Tendons connect muscle to bone and cross the elbow joint to allow movement.
Elbow Injuries
The tennis backhand stroke places a tremendous amount of force on the lateral epicondyle, which is why lateral epicondylitis (shown in video) got the nickname Tennis Elbow. The golf swing does the same for the medial epicondylitis (shown in video below). Ligament injuries in the elbow are most common in overhand throwing athletes. Degenerative arthritis in the elbow is common only remotely after joint injury, because the elbow is not a weight bearing joint.
Elbow Injury Treatment
Commonly Treated Elbow Pain Conditions: Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis), Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis), Olecranon Bursitis, Triceps Tendinitis, Elbow Osteoarthritis, Elbow Joint Instability or Subluxation
Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) typically respond very well to Regenerative Medicine treatments. Call the Regenerative Spine & Joint Center today to have your elbow pain evaluated. It is helpful to discuss the evolution of your elbow symptoms and perform a detailed physical examination to confirm the diagnosis. Dr. Terebuh will then be able to give you his specific recommendations regarding whether or not Bone Marrow Cell Therapy or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy will help you accomplish the goals you have for your elbow.
