Elbow Pathology Red Flags and Management
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Muhammed ElgasimElbow Pathology Red Flags and Management
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Muhammed Elgasim- Introduction and Red Flags
- Diagnosis Guidelines
MSK SERVICES PATHWAY - ELBOW PATHOLOGY
GPs to follow guidance offered within this pathway and where relevant refer using
Ardens templates and within remit of CCG Restricted and Not Routinely funded policy.
RED FLAG
• Septic arthritis • Fractures
Diagnosis to • Dislocations • Tumours
monitor
• Neurological lesion
Medical Professionals seeing patients with
History & MSK complaints in primary care should be
Symptoms trained in assessing for alarming features and
red flags in all patients.
Injury Consider admission/urgent referral
ASSESSMENT & DIAGNOSIS OF OTHER CONDITIONS
Tennis or Golfer’s elbow
OA of the Elbow Joint
Loose Body
Nerve Entrapment at the Elbow
Unstable Elbow
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RED FLAG SCREENING: SPECIFIC FOR ELBOW PATHOLOGY
History & Medical Professionals seeing patients with MSK complaints in primary care should be trained in
Symptoms assessing for alarming features and red flags in all patients.
CONSIDER ADMISSION/URGENT REFERRAL IF:
History of, or suspected malignancy investigate and refer as appropriate.
SYMPTOMS SUGGESTIVE OF TUMOURS (PRIMARY OR METASTATIC):
• PMH of cancer- Bony metastasises develop in 2/3 of patients with cancer mostly prostate,
breast, kidney, lung, thyroid, myeloma
• Unexplained weight loss
• Non-mechanical night pain
• Deep, intense pain
• Pain worse at night
• Fever
• Mass presence
• Emergence of bony lump
• Lymphadenopathy
• Atypical presentation
If History of cancer, needs to be referred urgently for specialist assessment in line with 2 week
fast track cancer pathway.
SYMPTOMS SUGGESTIVE OF INFECTION OR SEPTIC ARTHRITIS:
• Risk factors for sepsis include: Comorbidities of RA, or OA, prosthetic joint, low
socioeconomic level, diabetic, alcoholism, previous intra-articular joint injection, IV use
• Constant pain
• Sudden onset, red, hot, pyrexia or red-hot joint
• High inflammatory markers
• Systemic symptoms
• Fever, not always present
Infections refer to ED.
Suspected inflammatory condition, investigate and refer to Rheumatology – see Rheumatology
pathway.
SYMPTOMS SUGGESTIVE OF ACUTE SHOULDER JOINT FRACTURE/DISLOCATIONS:
• Trauma
• Pathological fracture (OP, Paget’s, multiple myeloma, PMH Ca)
• Neurovascular deficit
• Deformity
• Muscle wasting
Suspected fracture, dislocation, refer to ED
Injury CONSIDER ADMISSION/URGENT REFERRAL IF:
• Suspected fracture- consider pathological fracture with minimal trauma in patients with
Paget’s, Gauchers disease, osteoporosis, PMH of CA, multiple myeloma, osteogenesis
imperfecta
• Significant trauma
• Dislocation
• Distal Bicep/triceps Tendon Rupture urgent referral to Orthopaedics/A&E/Fracture Clinic
based on clinical presentation
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DIAGNOSIS: TENNIS OR GOLFER’S ELBOW
TYPE OF
GUIDELINES
INFORMATION
Background LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS/TENDINOPATHY
information
Lateral epicondylitis is also known as tennis elbow. It has a high prevalence of between 1-3%
of the population, with an incidence in general practice of 4-7 consultations per 1000. The peak
onset is between 40-50 years. Women and men are equally affected. The dominant arm is
affected in 75% of people.
Subjective • Lateral elbow and upper forearm pain
History • Typically pain of gradual onset, worsened with use of affected muscles
• Precipitating factors: repetitive movements involving forearm muscles, acute injury,
occupational or recreational activities that may provoke pain
• Need to exclude pain from other sources: cervical spine, elbow arthropathy, radial tunnel
syndrome. Shoulder, neurological symptoms
Examination • Pain on resisted wrist extension with elbow fully extended
findings • Pain with forced wrist flexion with elbow extended
• Pain with resisted extension of the 3rd finger with elbow extended
• Pain have some pain with active and passive movements at the elbow- but can also be normal
• Localised tenderness over and distal to the lateral epicondyle
• Possible reduction in grip
Investigations • Investigations often only necessary when considering a differential diagnosis
• X-ray appropriate IF suspecting fracture
• MRI or US scan may be performed at discretion of consultant in secondary care
Conservative • Consider analgesia and NSAIDs.
management • Advise joint care, ice treatment
• Exercise therapy: resistance exercises can result in reduced pain and improved function.
Programmes that concentrate on eccentric and concentric exercise are resorted to be effective
• Evidence suggests 12 weeks of exercise therapy
• Injection: In the case of refractory symptoms, only one corticosteroid injection may be
considered
Referral on for • If no improvement after 12 weeks refer to orthopaedic surgeon
orthopaedic
PROGNOSIS:
opinion:
• Usually self-limiting
• Duration is between 6 months and 2 years
• 20 % of people still report symptoms after 1 year
Background MEDIAL EPICONDYLITIS/TENDINOPATHY
information
Medial epicondyle pain is often referred to as golfer’s elbow or carpi radialis tendonitis/
tendinopathy. It is less common than lateral elbow pain
Subjective • Medial elbow pain and tenderness of the flexor muscles
History • Pain typically of gradual onset, worse with use of the effected muscles
• Precipitating factors: repetitive movements involving forearm muscles, acute injury,
occupational or recreational activities that may provoke pain
• Need to exclude pain from other sources: cervical spine, elbow arthropathy, cubital tunnel
syndrome. Shoulder, neurological symptoms
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DIAGNOSIS: TENNIS OR GOLFER’S ELBOW
TYPE OF
GUIDELINES
INFORMATION
Examination • Pain on wrist flexion and pronation
findings • Can have pain on active and passive movements at the elbow, but often this can be normal
• Localised tenderness over and distal to medial epicondyle
• Possible intermittent or on occasion constant, numbness or tingling radiating into the 4th and
5th fingers, exacerbated by elbow flexion or tapping over the nerve (close proximity to cubital
tunnel
Investigations • Investigations often only necessary when considering a differential diagnosis
• X-ray appropriate IF suspecting fracture
• MRI or US scan may be performed at discretion of consultant
• NCS where nerve entrapment or cervical spine involvement suspected
Conservative • Advise joint care, ice treatment
management • Exercise therapy: resistance exercises can result in reduced pain and improved function.
Programmes that concentrate on eccentric and concentric exercise are resorted to be effective
• Evidence suggests 12 weeks of exercise therapy
• Injection: In the case of refractory symptoms, only one corticosteroid injection may be
considered at the discretion of the orthopaedic consultant
Referral on for • If no improvement after 12 weeks refer to orthopaedic surgeon
orthopaedic
PROGNOSIS:
opinion:
• Usually self-limiting
• Duration is between 6 months and 2 years
• 20 % of people still report symptoms after 1 year
DIAGNOSIS: OA OF THE ELBOW JOINT
TYPE OF
GUIDELINES
INFORMATION
Background Osteoarthritis of the elbow occurs when the cartilage surface of the elbow is damaged or
information becomes worn. This can happen because of previous injury such as dislocation or fracture, or
it may be the result of degenerative joint disease. OA usually affects the weight-bearing joints.
The elbow is one of the least affected joints due to the congruence of the joint surfaces and
the strong stabilising ligament complex. Elbow OA that occurs without previous I injury is more
common in men than women. Onset typically occurs in patients 50 years of age or older, but
some patients can have symptoms earlier.
Subjective • Most patients who are diagnosed with elbow OA have a history of injury to the elbow joint,
information possibly fracture or dislocation
• Risk of elbow OA increases if the patient needed surgery to repair the injury
• Injury to the ligaments of the elbow can also lead to OA due to increased forces across the
joint surfaces
• Work or sporting activities may exacerbate symptoms where the patient places more
demands on the joint than it can withstand
• Pain may experience around the joint and down into the forearm
• Patient may describe a loss of movement
• Patient may report a sensation of locking or grating
• May report joint swelling and stiffness after activity and rest
• In the later stages of elbow OA, patient may report numbness in the ring and little finger on
the affected side due to irritation/.compression of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel
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DIAGNOSIS: OA OF THE ELBOW JOINT
TYPE OF
GUIDELINES
INFORMATION
Examination • Loss of normal range of movement- loss of extension is more common that a loss of flexion
findings • Catching or grating with movement
• Muscle weakness
• In severe cases may be some evidence of joint instability/ligament laxity
• Loss of sensation in the ulnar nerve distribution in the forearm/hand ( later stages)
Investigations AP and lateral elbow views
Conservative • Treatment depends on the stage of the disease, previous history, expectations of the patient,
management overall medical condition and results if diagnostic x-rays
• Early stages of elbow OA, most common treatment is non-surgical
• NSAIDs/analgesia- refer to GP
• Physiotherapy to improve /maintain AROM, muscle strength, restore/maintain function
• Refer to orthopaedic consultant if deepening on stage of disease and function
Referral on for • If x-ray shows arthritic changes with limitation of function, refer directly to Orthopaedic
orthopaedic Surgeon
opinion
DIAGNOSIS: LOOSE BODY
TYPE OF
GUIDELINES
INFORMATION
Background Rare condition, will few cases every year to be referred
information
Subjective • Pain at the elbow joint
History • Locking
• Grating or crepitus with movement
• Swelling
Examination Clicking and locking of the elbow, which may be painful
findings • Possible swelling
• May have block to full extension
Investigations • X-ray A-P and lateral elbow views
Conservative • Injection: NOT indicated
management
Referral on for • If loose body is evident on x-ray and patient has pain and locking refer on to Orthopaedic
orthopaedic Surgeon
opinion:
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DIAGNOSIS: NERVE ENTRAPMENT AT THE ELBOW
TYPE OF
GUIDELINES
INFORMATION
Background Cubital Tunnel Syndrome:
information
The ulnar nerve is one to the three main nerves in your arm. It travels from your neck down
into your hand. It can be restricted in several places in the arm, beneath the collar bone, at the
elbow and wrist. Most common place for compression of the nerve is behind the inside part of
the elbow. Ulnar nerve compression at the elbow is often called cubital tunnel syndrome. Some
factors may predisposes patients to the condition such as; prior fracture or dislocation, bony
spurs, OA elbow, cysts near the elbow and repetitive or prolonged activities that require the
elbow to be bent or flexed for prolonged periods.
Subjective • Numbness and tingling sensation in the hand and fingers (little, ring finger most affected)
History • Pain at the elbow and into lateral border of the forearm
• Weakness of grip (usually associated with more severe cases)
• Symptoms made worse with repeated or sustained elbow flexion
• Waking at night with numb fingers
• May reported intermittent swelling
Examination • Reduced grip
findings • Muscles wasting in the hand (more severe cases)
• Positive tinnels sign at the elbow/guyons canal
• Reproduction of symptoms with sustained elbow flexion
• Altered movement of the ulnar nerve at the elbow during flexion/extension
• Claw-like deformity of the hand (more severe cases)
Investigations • X-ray may be useful to eliminate possible cause of symptoms such as OA, bony spurs, loose
bodies
• Consider Nerve Conduction Studies Referral prior to referral to secondary
Conservative • Physiotherapy 6-12 weeks
management • Consider analgesia and NSAIDs injection
Splinting
Referral on for • Referral to orthopaedic surgeon if abnormal nerve conduction studies and if no improvement
orthopaedic with physiotherapy in 6-12 weeks
opinion: • If subluxing ulna nerve or severe intrinsic wasting please refer to orthopaedic surgeon
Prognosis following surgery:
• Results of surgery are generally good
• 85% of patients respond to some form of surgery
• Each method of surgery has a similar success rate for routine case of nerve compression
• If the nerve is has been compressed for some time or if muscle wasting is evident, the nerve
may not be able to return to normal
• Some symptoms may remain after surgery
• Nerves recover slowly, it may take a long time to assess the response to surgery
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DIAGNOSIS: UNSTABLE ELBOW
TYPE OF
GUIDELINES
INFORMATION
Background Elbow instability is a looseness in the elbow joint that may cause the joint to catch, pop, or slide
information out of place during certain arm movements. It most often occurs as a result of an injury typically
an elbow dislocation. This type of injury can damage the bone and ligaments that surround
the elbow joint. There are 3 different types of recurrent/chronic elbow instability: Posterolateral
rotatory, valgus and varus posteromedial rotatory instability.
• Posterolateral rotatory instability - elbow slides in and out of the joint due to an injury of
the lateral collateral ligament complex. Most common type of recurrent instability. Typically
caused by trauma such as a fall on an outstretched hand, may develop as a result of a
previous surgery or longstanding elbow deformity
• Valgus instability - Unstable due to an injury of the ulnar collateral ligament. Most often
caused by repetitive stress as seen in overhead athletes. May also result from a traumatic
event
• Varus posteromedial rotatory instability - Elbow slides in and out of the joint due to a
injury of the lateral collateral ligament complex, in addition to a fracture of the coronoid
portion of the ulna bone. Typically caused by a traumatic event such as a fall
Subjective • History of previous elbow dislocation or previous surgery may be described/reported
History • Patient feels as though elbow is giving way or ‘pop’ out of place
• Unable to do press ups or push up off chair
• May describe locking, catching or clicking at the elbow
• May feel pain on the inside of elbow with overhead activity or throwing an object at speed
Examination • Varus +/- valgus stress tests may be positive
findings • Tenderness on palpation
• Muscle weakness
Investigations • X-ray elbow AP and lateral ( although x-rays cannot show soft tissue, they can be helpful in
identifying fractures, dislocations or subtle changes in alignment of the elbow)
• MRI - may show tears in the ligaments, muscles, tendons (not typically necessary for a
diagnosis of elbow instability, request should be left to the discretion of orthopaedic
consultant
Conservative • If mild signs or symptoms: refer to Physiotherapy
management • Activity modification
• NSAIDs
Referral on for • Elbow instability is a rare problem
orthopaedic • But it is complex and needs specialist surgery if symptoms do not improve with conservative
opinion: management
• A highly competitive athlete who has a complete tearing of the ulnar collateral ligament may
require surgery to return to normal function
• If obviously unstable: Referral to Orthopaedic Surgeon
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Common questions
Powered by AIImaging serves as a critical tool in identifying specific elbow pathologies. X-rays are primary investigations to rule out fractures or significant arthritic changes and to identify any loose bodies in the joint . MRI can provide detailed views of soft tissue injuries such as ligament tears not easily identified on X-rays . Ultrasound may also be utilized in secondary care for soft tissue assessment. These imaging approaches aid in distinguishing between pathologies like OA, fractures, and nerve entrapments based on structural changes visible on these modalities .
Tennis elbow primarily presents with lateral elbow and forearm pain aggravated by using forearm muscles, with specific pain during resisted wrist extension . In contrast, a loose body in the elbow joint often manifests as mechanical symptoms like locking, grating, or clicking with movement along with potential swelling, but pain and restricted motion may not align with specific resisted movements as in tennis elbow . Distinguishing these conditions requires noting these characteristic presentations and potentially confirming with imaging for loose bodies .
Conservative management is preferred in early elbow OA due to its non-invasive nature and potential to alleviate symptoms without surgical risks . Interventions include the use of NSAIDs for pain relief, physiotherapy to improve or maintain the range of motion and muscle strength, and modifications to reduce joint load . This approach aims to manage symptoms effectively and delay any potential surgical interventions .
Tennis elbow is typically diagnosed with a clinical examination revealing pain on resisted wrist extension and localized tenderness over the lateral epicondyle . Golfer's elbow diagnosis involves identifying pain on wrist flexion and localized tenderness over the medial epicondyle . Both conditions often necessitate ruling out other sources of pain through history and examination but differ mainly based on the location and type of pain exhibited on the elbow during specific resisted movements .
OA of the elbow is distinguished by a history of injury or repetitive use, presenting with loss of movement, pain around the joint, possible swelling, and later-stage numbness due to ulnar nerve compression. Key examination findings include loss of extension, catching or grating with movement, and muscle weakness . In contrast, conditions like nerve entrapment show symptoms such as tingling and numbness, while other pathologies like instability would typically report sensations of popping or locking .
Significant factors contributing to cubital tunnel syndrome include previous elbow injuries like fractures, bony spurs, OA changes, and prolonged elbow flexion activities. Such anatomical abnormalities can compress the ulnar nerve, leading to numbness and tingling in the hand. Management involves modifying activities, physiotherapy, and potentially surgical intervention if there is no improvement with conservative measures or if severe nerve conduction abnormalities are present .
A corticosteroid injection may be considered for tennis elbow if symptoms are refractory to conservative management, such as exercise therapy and NSAIDs, over a 12-week period. It is typically a short-term management option, providing temporary relief, but not used repeatedly due to potential adverse effects . The expected outcome is generally good with significant pain reduction, but recurrence is possible once the effect wears off .
Elbow instability is classified into posterolateral rotatory, valgus, and varus posteromedial rotatory instability. Each type requires different treatment strategies. Posterolateral rotatory instability often results from lateral ligament injury, needing specific strengthening and stabilization exercises. Valgus instability, typically due to ulnar collateral ligament injuries common in athletes, may require surgical intervention in severe cases. Varus posteromedial instability is more complex due to associated bony injuries and might also demand surgical repair . Treatment planning considers both the type of instability and the severity of symptomatology .
In managing tennis elbow, approximately 20% of patients may continue to report symptoms a year post-onset, despite it being usually self-limiting over 6 months to 2 years . Prolonged symptoms can be due to persistent inflammation or failure to adhere to recommended management strategies such as exercise therapy. Prognosis is generally good but depends on the adherence to conservative treatment and identifying any underlying biomechanical issues .
Immediate referral is required if there is a history of or suspected malignancy, with symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, non-mechanical night pain, fever, or emergence of bony lumps. Additionally, symptoms suggestive of septic arthritis, such as sudden onset, fever, or systemic symptoms, warrant urgent referral. In cases of acute trauma such as suspected dislocations or fractures, an urgent referral to emergency departments is advised .