Medial epicondylitis

Background

• Overuse syndrome affecting the wrist and digit flexors
• Also seen in pitchers and rock-climbers
• Also known as "Golfer's elbow"

Clinical Features

• TTP over medial epicondyle and pain w/ forced flexion and pronation of forearm/wrist
• Ulnar neuropathy may develop (given proximity of ulnar nerve to medial epicondyle)

Differential Diagnosis

Elbow Diagnoses

Radiograph-Positive

• Distal humerus fracture
• Radial head fracture
  • Essex-Lopresti fracture
• Capitellum fracture
• Olecranon fracture
• Elbow dislocation

Radiograph-Negative

• Biceps tendon rupture/dislocation
• Lateral epicondylitis
• Medial epicondylitis
• Olecranon bursitis (nonseptic)
• Pronator teres syndrome
• Septic bursitis

Pediatric

• Nursemaid's elbow
• Supracondylar fracture
• Lateral epicondyle fracture
• Medial epicondyle fracture
• Olecranon fracture
• Radial head fracture
• Salter-Harris fractures

Management

• Conservative: rest, ice, NSAIDs, immobilization (often via counterforce brace)

See Also

Elbow Diagnoses

Source

Tintinalli