Elbow Conditions and Treatments

The elbow is a complicated hinge joint made of the humerus, radius, and ulna.  In addition to flexion and extension, the elbow also allows rotation of the forearm.  Because of the complexity of the elbow, injuries can impair both the range of motion and the function of the elbow.  An elbow specialist should promptly examine any elbow injury in order to preserve the function of the joint.

At Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, our elbow specialists are fellowship trained and board certified, which means they have completed the highest form of training an orthopaedic or sports medicine physician can achieve.

Elbow Evaluation

At WOSM, our physicians will provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your elbow or arm symptoms.  You can expect a thorough evaluation, including a complete history and upper extremity physical examination. If you have X-rays or other diagnostic images, you should bring them with you.  If you do not, your doctor may recommend further imaging studies. Your evaluation will include:

• Clinical exam
• X-rays if indicated
• Evaluation of outside imaging tests, like MRI if available
• Evaluation of nerve studies if available

Elbow Treatment

After the evaluation, your doctor will make treatment recommendations, which may include further testing.  We will discuss all reasonable options.  In our practice, we focus on creating an individualized treatment plan for each patient.  Your specific needs and goals will determine how your condition is treated.

Our first line of treatment often includes a combination of activity modification, rest, splinting, physical therapy and/or medication to control pain.  However, some elbow conditions may benefit from surgical treatment.

Elbow Surgery

If surgery is necessary, you should know you are in excellent hands, as our elbow specialists have a combined experience of more than 45 years performing elbow surgery. If your doctor does recommend surgery, our helpful staff will explain everything you need to know to prepare for surgery.  After surgery, your doctor will check on you and then expect to see you in the office about a week later to make sure you are making an appropriate recovery.

Some common elbow conditions we treat include:

• Fractures and Dislocations
• Arthritis
• Contractures (limited motion)
• Nerve and Tendon Lacerations
• Biceps Tendonitis and Tendon Rupture
• Tennis Elbow
• Golfers’ Elbow
• Valgus Extension Overload
• Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury of the Elbow (Elbow sprain)
• Ulnar Nerve Contusion
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (ulnar neuritis)
• Radial Tunnel Syndrome
• Anterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome
• Pronator Syndrome

Please call us for an appointment at 202-787-5601.

Learn more about:

• Patient Information: billing questions, office policies, preparing for surgery
• Physical Therapy: we provide comprehensive PT services
• Health Library: information about common elbow conditions