Elbow Injuries Specialists

What are the Most Common Elbow Injuries?

The team at MidJersey Orthopaedics treats diseases of the elbow and the surrounding tissues, such as:

• Biceps Tendinosis: Biceps tendinosis, an inflammation of the tendon around the biceps muscle, is an overuse injury brought on by repetitive overhead movement.
• Radial Head Fractures: A radial head fracture typically occurs when you try to break a fall with your hand. The force travels up your arm, dislocates the elbow, and may fracture the radius.
• Bursitis: Bursitis occurs when the bursa, the tiny, fluid-filled sacs between the joint and your skin, become inflamed. This condition may develop due to an injury, frequently leaning on your elbow, or an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Olecranon Fractures: An olecranon fracture, also known as an elbow fracture, involves the bony tip of your elbow and typically occurs when you fall on your elbow.
• Tennis Elbow: Tennis elbow is an overuse injury affecting the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to your elbow. The problem develops when you repeatedly make the same wrist movement.
• Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury: Repetitive overhand motions lead to an ulnar collateral ligament injury, an overuse injury that often results in a torn ligament.

Can Arthritis Develop Due to an Elbow Injury?

Osteoarthritis typically develops over years of wear and tear that damage the cartilage, making it a degenerative disease rather than an elbow injury. However, a condition called post-traumatic arthritis rapidly develops after you sustain a direct trauma to your elbow. Post-traumatic arthritis accounts for 12% of all cases of osteoarthritis.

How are Elbow Injuries Treated?

Your MidJersey Orthopaedics physician determines the best treatment based on the underlying problem. In most cases, treatment begins with simple treatments such as activity modification and rest, ice treatments, home exercises, and a brace. If not successful, more invasive treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can be helpful.

The MidJersey Orthopaedics team creates PRP in the office by drawing your blood and processing it in a centrifuge so the natural platelets and plasma separate from the other blood cells.

When your doctor injects the PRP into your elbow, the platelets release growth factors, proteins that trigger healing, promote cell regeneration, and regulate inflammation.

Surgery is often the first line of treatment for a complex fracture or a torn tendon or ligament. If your elbow pain or immobility doesn’t improve after several months of conservative treatments, your physician may also recommend surgery to repair the problem and accelerate healing. Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgeries are available, which have a faster recovery period.

No matter what caused your elbow injury, the team at MidJersey Orthopaedics can help. Call one of the offices or book an appointment online today.