Arm/Elbow

In most fracture cases, both the radius and ulna bones in the forearm are broken. Fractures can occur near the wrist or distal end of the bone, in the middle of the forearm, or near the elbow or proximal end of the bone. Forearm bones can break in several ways such as a slight crack, broken into pieces, or an open fracture, which protrudes through the skin. The most common causes of forearm fractures are a direct blow, a fall on an outstretched arm, or an automobile or motorcycle accident.

Symptoms

• Immediate pain
• Obvious deformity
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Inability to rotate arm
• Numbness or weakness in fingers or wrist
• Symptoms of Bruising
• Inability to rotate arm

Diagnostic procedures

If symptoms suggest a fractured forearm, seek qualified orthopedic medical treatment.  Treatment will encompass a thorough examination, which could include diagnostic procedure(s) such as palpation and X-rays in order to determine proper non-operative or operative treatment.

The elbow is a hinge joint of the arm. Dislocations can happen due to a fall or accident when an outstretched arm is used to cushion impact. An elbow dislocation can injure all of the internal structures in different degrees.

Symptoms

• Extreme pain
• Obvious deformity
• Odd twist at elbow
• Bruising

Diagnostic procedures

If symptoms suggest a dislocated elbow, seek qualified orthopedic medical treatment.  Treatment will encompass a thorough examination, which could include diagnostic procedure(s) such as palpation, circulation evaluation, X-rays, CT scan, and MRI in order to determine proper non-operative or operative treatment.

Biceps tendonitis

The biceps muscles in the front of the upper arm have two tendons that attach it to the bones in the shoulder. Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendon, which becomes red, swollen and enlarged. Sports activities and jobs that require repetitive overhead motion can put people at risk for biceps tendonitis.

Symptoms

• Pain or tenderness in front of shoulder, which worsens with overhead lifting
• Pain that moves down the upper arm
• Occasional snapping sound or sensation in the shoulder

Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse, repeating the same motion. This leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.

Symptoms

• Pain or burning on the outer part of the elbow
• Weak grip strength

Diagnostic procedures

If symptoms suggest tendonitis, seek qualified orthopedic medical treatment.  Treatment will encompass a thorough examination, which could include diagnostic procedure(s) such as a strength and range of motion tests, X-rays, ultrasound, EMG, and MRI in order to determine proper non-operative or operative treatment.

Osteoarthritis of the elbow occurs when the cartilage surface of the elbow is damaged by an injury such as a dislocation or fracture. Surgery to repair or reconstruct the joint, loss of cartilage and injury to the ligaments can all lead to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis may also be the result of degeneration of the elbow joint cartilage from age, with typical onset in patients 50 years of age or older.

Symptoms

• Pain Loss of range of motion
• Grating or locking sensation in the elbow
• Swelling
• Numbness in fingers

Diagnostic procedures

If symptoms suggest osteoarthritis of the elbow, seek qualified orthopedic medical treatment.  Treatment will encompass a thorough examination, which could include diagnostic procedure(s) such as X-rays in order to determine proper non-operative or operative treatment.