ELBOW PAIN
ELBOW PAIN: Excerpt from Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care
A painful elbow really does not require a detailed analysis of the
anatomy to discover the various causes, almost all of which are bursal or
bone and joint disorders. Of course, the skin may be involved by trauma and
infection, just like the skin of the hands . The arteries, veins, muscles, and nerves are rarely the
cause of pain here. The simplest and most expedient approach is to use the
mnemonic MINT and apply it to the bones, joints, and bursae.
M—Malformations are usually acquired, such as the Charcot joints of
syphilis and syringomyelia. Bleeding into the joint in a hemophiliac is also
classified here.
I—Inflammation should signal bursitis, particularly
radiohumeral (popularly called tennis elbow) and olecranon bursitis. One
should also recall arthritis of the elbow joint, particularly rheumatoid
arthritis, gout, and osteoarthritis. Surprisingly, rheumatic fever
frequently affects the joint, and tuberculosis should be considered along
with other forms of septic arthritis.
N—Neoplasms are unusual, but osteosarcomas and metastatic carcinomas
nevertheless occur.
T—Trauma suggests fractures, dislocations, and elbow sprains.
Approach to the Diagnosis
In the approach to the diagnosis, the traumatic conditions and
arthritic disorders will probably stand out. A diagnostic dilemma occurs
when the elbow looks normal and has good movement. Nevertheless, most of
these cases are caused by tennis elbow, myositis, and fasciitis. Thus, a
simple injection at the trigger point will assist the diagnosis and give the
patient immediate and sometimes lasting relief. If this is unsuccessful,
referral to an orthopedic surgeon is wise.
Other Useful Tests
-
X-ray of the elbow (fracture)
-
CT scan or MRI of the elbow
-
Arthritis panel
-
X-ray of cervical spine (herniated disc)
-
Neurology consult
Pictures
Book Source Details
- Book Title: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care
- Author(s): R. Douglas Collins MD, FACP
- Year of Publication: 2007
- Copyright Details: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care, Copyright © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
More About Elbow conditions
More Medical Textbooks Online about Elbow conditions
Review other book chapters online related to Elbow conditions:
Medical Books Excerpts
- ARM PAIN
- "Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Arm pain
- "Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition)" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Arm pain
- "Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition)" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Arm pain
- "Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses" (2007)
- [ read ]
- Arm pain
- "Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms" (2007)
- [ read ]
- ARM PAIN
- "Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care" (2007)
- [ read ]
Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
» Next page: Surveys relating to Elbow conditions
Rate This Website
What do you think about the features of this website?
Take our user survey and have your say:
Website User Survey
Medical Tools & Articles:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Forums & Message Boards
- Ask or answer a question at the Boards:
