Elbow Conditions

If your elbow pain is bothering you and affecting your ability to perform everyday tasks, do not hesitate to make an appointment with us. It’s better to play it safe than to keep doing the things that may cause your elbow condition to deteriorate. And with treatment, you could be feeling better fast.

At SportsIn Orthopaedic clinic, we have a dedicated team of elbow specialist orthopaedic surgeons who will provide a detailed diagnosis and custom treatment plan for your elbow conditions.

With our four convenient locations at Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Farrer Park Medical Centre, Gleneagles Medical Centre, and Mount Alvernia Hospital our specialist orthopaedic surgeons are ready to put you on the path to recovery.

Here are some examples of the elbow conditions we treat:

Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Tennis Elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, results from damage and disorganised healing of the tendon over the elbow’s outer aspect that helps raise the wrist.

Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)

Golfer’s elbow is a condition characterised by pain and inflammation due to damage to the muscles and tendons that cross the inner aspect of the elbow. While the pain is typically centred over the elbow area, it can spread to the forearm and wrist in severe instances.

However, this condition does not only affect golfers. It can happen to any person regardless of gender, age, or choice of sport. Those who engage in vigorous activities that have repetitive hand or forearm motions are more susceptible.

Distal Bicep Tendon Tear

To help you better understand what a distal bicep tendon tear is, we must note that tendons are what connect muscles to bones, and biceps are the muscle on the front of one’s arm.

In a distal bicep tendon tear, the tendon attaching the biceps to the elbow is torn. These tears are usually the result of lifting heavy loads, especially if the tendon is already degenerated and weakened.

Osteochondral Injury

An osteochondral injury refers to damage of the joint cartilage and the underlying bone. It varies in severity from a depressed area of cartilage and bone to a separation of a piece of the cartilage and bone from the joint surface.

Collateral Ligament Injury

Our ligaments are responsible for holding our bones together. The collateral ligaments of the elbow hold the bones that make up the elbow and prevent the forearm from moving sideways at the elbow.

Tears occur due to dislocations of the elbow from falls or in particular sports, such as Jiu-jitsu. The ligament injury may also be associated with fractures around the elbow.

Arthritis of the Elbow

Arthritis of the elbow refers to inflammation of the elbow. Common causes include gout, autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or psoriasis, and degeneration from old injuries or overuse.

Distal Humerus Fracture

A distal humerus fracture is a fracture of the end of the arm bone near the elbow. Distal humerus fractures can affect the elbow joint and may also be associated with ligament injuries.

They are serious injuries that can severely affect elbow movement and function.

Proximal Ulna Fracture

A proximal ulna fracture refers to a fracture of the forearm bone that, together with the humerus (arm bone), forms the elbow joint.

Proximal Radius or Radial Head and Neck Fracture

A proximal radius is a fracture at the elbow end of the forearm bone that gives the forearm the ability to rotate. It usually arises from a fall onto the outstretched hand.

Elbow Dislocation

The elbow is the joint between the arm and forearm bones. This joint is said to be dislocated when the surfaces of the three bones, ulna, radius, and humerus, are separated. Dislocation of the elbow can either be partial or complete.

Elbow dislocations are usually associated with ligament tears, tendon tears, and sometimes fractures around the elbow.

Elbow Osteoarthritis

The elbow consists of three bones (the ulna, humerus, and radius) covered with cartilage that prevents the bones from rubbing directly against each other.

When this protective cartilage wears out or gets damaged, osteoarthritis of the elbow occurs.