The Problem Lateral epicondylitis – better known as “tennis elbow” – is a tendinosis of common attachment of the forearm extensor tendons (extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), extensor digitorum, extensor digiti minimi, and extensor carpi ulnaris). It is a commonly seen source of lateral elbow pain in adult patients in their 5th and 6th decades…
The Problem The elbow is the third most commonly infected joint, after the knee and hip, representing 10 – 15% of septic joint cases. Predisposing risk factors for septic arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, IV drug use, steroid administration, HIV, malignancy, and advanced age. Bacterial seeding of the joint may occur through…
The Problem Partial thickness tears of the rotator cuff have the potential to cause significant pain and functional limitations in affected patients. Partial thickness tears can be on the articular side of the tendon, on the bursal side of the tendon or intra-tendinous. The extreme variability in etiology, size and location of partial-thickness tears of…
The Problem The elbow is a modified hinge joint that consists of one synovial lining, 2 degrees of freedom (flexion-extension and pronation-supination), and three articulating surfaces (ulnotrochlear, radiocapitellar, and proximal radioulnar). While the elbow is a non-weightbearing joint, it withstands high stresses with daily activity all transmitted through a small surface area. With normal activities…
The Problem Isolated injury to the subscapularis tendon can occur as a result of traumatic injury or chronic degeneration. While elderly and low-demand patients with small superior subscapularis tears are often minimally symptomatic and can be treated non-operatively, higher demand patients experience significant morbidity unless surgically repaired. The spectrum of injury ranges from small superior…
The Problem The human body has 140 bursae which are synovial sacs that allow gliding between tissue layers with minimal friction. Bursae are susceptible to damage by pressure, trauma, infection, and inflammatory conditions. Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa which leads to pain and swelling. The olecranon bursa is the most superficial bursa in the…
