Introduction Ultrasound (US) has continued to evolve to become an extremely useful diagnostic imaging modality in the detection of various soft tissue pathologies around the elbow: tendons, ligaments, and nerves. The superficial location of the elbow allows for excellent high-resolution…
Introduction Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has gained wide acceptance as a complementary tool in the diagnosis of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, largely due to its excellent depiction of soft tissues. Within the past decade, MRI at 3 T has become…
Introduction Extensive research and development in CT in the past decade have yielded significant enhancements in image acquisition and processing efficiency, image resolution, and reconstruction capability, as well as artifact reduction capacity. Although radiographs, MRI, and ultrasonography have broader clinical…
Introduction Plain-film radiography remains standard in the evaluation of the elbow. A radiographic series, including anteroposterior (AP), oblique, and lateral projections, provides valuable information about the bone, joints, and soft tissues. They are a mainstay for fracture evaluation and often…
Introduction Elbow function consists of three elements: (1) positions the hand in space, (2) stabilizes the upper extremity linkage, and (3) generates power to perform lifting activities. The essential joint functions that form the basis of functional assessment strategies are…
Introduction This chapter deals with the basics of a general comprehensive history and physical examination of the elbow. Specific and focused features of the history and examination are pictured with the various conditions described in the following sections. History Without…
Introduction The very basic function of the upper extremity depends largely on a functional elbow joint. A complex joint, the elbow, serves as a link in the lever arm system that positions the hand, as a fulcrum of the forearm…
This chapter discusses the normal anatomy of the elbow region. Abnormal and surgical anatomy is addressed in subsequent chapters of this book dealing with the pertinent condition. Topical Anatomy and General Survey The contours of the biceps muscle and antecubital…
Introduction The human elbow forms the link between brachium and forearm, controlling length of reach and orientation of the hand, and is one of our most distinctive anatomic regions. An appreciation of elbow phylogeny complements anatomic knowledge in three ways:…