[The elbow joint - a diagnostic challenge : anatomy, biomechanics, and pathology]

Radiologe. 2008 Dec;48(12):1173-85. doi: 10.1007/s00117-008-1736-4.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The elbow is one of the most commonly injured joints in sports activities. In particular, weight lifters, golfers, tennis players, and pitchers are affected. Injuries in sports involving overhead throwing are commonly based on the pathophysiologic model of valgus extension overload syndrome. The injuries are commonly complex and demand a good knowledge of the symptoms, the exact anatomy, and the biomechanics to arrive at a precise radiologic diagnosis. The characteristic patterns of injury that occur in specific sports activities are related to a combination of increased varus or valgus and extension or flexion overload that results in tensile forces and/or compression and shear stress. Acute symptoms are frequently based on chronic degeneration of the tendons and ligamentous structures due to repetitive microtrauma from overuse syndrome.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Arthrography
  • Athletic Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Athletic Injuries / physiopathology
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Collateral Ligaments / injuries
  • Collateral Ligaments / physiopathology
  • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / physiopathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging*
  • Elbow Injuries*
  • Elbow Joint / pathology
  • Elbow Joint / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Joint Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Joint Diseases / physiopathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Osteochondrosis / diagnosis
  • Osteochondrosis / physiopathology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tendon Injuries / diagnosis
  • Tendon Injuries / physiopathology
  • Tennis Elbow / diagnosis*
  • Tennis Elbow / physiopathology
  • Ultrasonography