The elbow joint is the anatomical structure where the bones of the shoulder connect to the forearm. The formation is complex, in which there are a large number of nerve fibers. Often the elbow joint is subjected to various injuries, which is typical mainly for athletes who have increased physical activity.
Features of trauma in children
Most often the ligamentous apparatus of the elbow joint is subject to stretching with an anguish. A fracture of the elbow joint is also possible. Along with this, muscles are also damaged, which, of course, is accompanied by a limitation of functions. In childhood, sprains are less painful, due to their increased elasticity. At the same time, such injuries in children require increased care, since an incompletely formed ligamentous apparatus in case of damage can lead to extremely undesirable consequences. The elbow joint may simply be deformed.
Causal nature of injuries
For the most partsprains are prone to persons who are characterized by prolonged heavy physical exertion. This is mostly seen in athletes. Loaders can also be included in this category. Such injuries of the elbow joint as fracture, dislocation, sprain are accompanied by the following factors:
- high-intensity exercise, as can be seen in athletes training;
- unsuccessful fall on an outstretched arm;
- strike on the elbow with the arm bent;
- unsuccessful abrupt movement in the area of the elbow joint;
- immoderate weight lifting;
- the cause may be osteoporosis, which affects the bone tissue;
- hormonal pathology;
- older people with physiological weakening of muscle fibers.
A sprain can accompany a dislocated elbow.
Classification of injuries in the elbow joint according to severity
By severity, all injuries in this area are divided into 3 degrees:
- At the first degree, you can observe the appearance of a small edema. Pain of low intensity, which allows for treatment outside the hospital. The patient is being treated at home.
- The second degree is characterized by the same edema, but it is already more pronounced. The intensity of pain increases slightly. They are already moderate. The patient is sent on sick leave due to the fact that he lost his ability to work for a short time.
- In the presence of the third degree, ligaments are tornelbow joint. These are closed injuries of the elbow tendons. The condition is accompanied by severe pain, there is a pronounced limitation of movements in the elbow. Grade 3 injuries to the elbow joint require qualified medical care, and the rehabilitation period is long.
Symptom complex for sprains in the elbow joint
The condition is characterized by the following clinical features:
- Pain comes to the fore. The pain is growing. It is noted to increase during movement and at night.
- Pain radiates to hand and forearm.
- Severe pain prevents full flexion and extension of the arm.
- Could rupture blood vessels in the elbow, causing bleeding.
- There is pronounced swelling of the upper limb, especially at the elbow.
- The hand loses the necessary sensitivity.
- The joint capsule may rupture and cause damage to nerve endings, tendons.
- Externally, the joint is changed, with signs of deformity.
- The body responds to injury with a general reaction in the form of an increase in temperature.
If the sprain is accompanied by torn ligaments, then the intensity of pain is very high. The elbow is immobile due to pain. Sometimes there is stretching, but it manifests itself very weakly and sluggishly. This condition is doubly dangerous, since the increased load continues to act on the joint. In such cases, it is very easy to joincomplications. But usually pain and swelling appear immediately. Over time, the degree of such manifestations increases.
Types of elbow injuries
The most common types include the following conditions:
- Tendinitis. During training sessions, it causes pain. The tendons become inflamed. The joint is hot to the touch. When movement is noted in the joints, they crunch.
- Epicondylitis. In the first place, the occurrence of severe pain is noted. Their progression is characteristic. In the ligaments, inflammatory changes are noted. The pain intensifies when trying to make a fist.
- If a strong blow fell on the elbow, then elbow bursitis may occur.
Diagnostic measures
If there are similar injuries and diseases of the elbow joint, the patient should certainly consult an experienced traumatologist or surgeon. An injury in the elbow of 1-2 degrees of severity is usually not difficult to determine. A qualified doctor can do this with a visual and objective examination. Usually, no additional diagnostic measures are required to make a diagnosis.
In case of injuries of the 3rd degree of severity, especially complicated ones, it is required to clarify the diagnosis using instrumental methods of examination. The following activities provide invaluable assistance in making a diagnosis:
- X-ray examination in the elbow area.
- The use of computed tomography (CT). It allows you to determine whichdegree of damage to the articular ligaments.
- Ultrasound examination of the condition of the muscle fiber.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Heart rate monitor. It allows you to determine what sensitivity the injured limb has.
Neurologist consultation may be required. It can determine the presence or absence of nerve fiber damage.
Aid measures
When the elbow joint is bruised, the symptoms of the disease, when obvious, it is necessary to call a doctor. Only he is able to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment. But even before his arrival, it is necessary to begin to provide first aid. The activities are simple and boil down to the following actions:
- If the damaged area is covered with tight clothing, then the hand should be released.
- A cold compress is applied to the elbow. This will help stop the progression of edema and the appearance of hemorrhages. For this purpose, you can use ice from the refrigerator.
- Maximum immobilization of the joint in order to limit movements in it. Use an elastic bandage or a splint.
- Hand must be given a raised position. This will also reduce swelling.
- If the patient can endure, then it is better not to give analgesics until the doctor arrives. They can smooth out the clinical picture.
Injury treatment
After the doctor has made a final diagnosis, appropriate treatment is prescribed. If ligaments or tendons are torn, a splint or cast is indicated.
Treatment with medication involves complexity and different focus:
- To relieve swelling and eliminate pain, ointments are prescribed ("Fastum-gel", "Voltaren", "Dolgit").
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ("Ibuprofen"). They will also help eliminate swelling and eliminate pain.
- The fight against edema is carried out by taking diuretics ("Diakarb").
- Reduce pain by reducing muscle tone. For this purpose, the appointment of muscle relaxants ("Mydocalm") is shown.
- It is necessary to restore damaged cartilage tissue. For this purpose, chondroprotectors are used ("Chondroxide", "Teraflex").
- Treatment is carried out against the background of measures for the general strengthening of the body. A course of vitamin therapy is prescribed.
If a patient has an injury in the elbow joint, one should not forget about the full nutrition of the patient. The food is balanced, rich in minerals and vitamins.
If an extensive rupture of the ligaments in the elbow joint is diagnosed, then surgery is indicated. Ligaments are sewn. The operation is also indicated if the nerve fibers are damaged.
The operation can be performed using an instrument called an arthroscope. They can additionally examine the intraarticular ulnar cavity, remove the accumulated blood that appeared in the articular cavity as a result of an injury, and perform some other medical manipulations.
If there is a dislocationa surgeon's consultation will be required.
Basic treatment can be complemented by alternative medicine methods. Carry out local application of compresses and lotions with infusions and decoctions of various medicinal herbs.
Rehabilitation of patients
After the full course of treatment is completed, after 2-3 weeks the damaged elbow begins to recover. During the rehabilitation period, various physiotherapy procedures are carried out. Their task is to speed up the recovery period after an injury. As a result of physiotherapy, metabolism improves and blood circulation accelerates. Physiotherapists in their arsenal have a sufficient arsenal of means to restore patients after an injury.
After 3 weeks, therapeutic exercises are prescribed. Exercise strengthens muscle ligaments and increases their elasticity. Loads should be dosed with their gradual increase. The instructor supervises the lessons. In case of an injury to the elbow joint, the recommendations of the doctor must be strictly followed. Otherwise, it can turn into disastrous consequences.
Adequate nutrition is required during the recovery period. It should be complete and balanced with sufficient content of all necessary substances, minerals and vitamins. Calcium-rich foods shown.
After the recovery period is over, you need to re-see the doctor. He will give all the necessary recommendations.
Conclusion
For a warning, of courseIn situations such as an elbow injury, prevention is paramount. All loads must be reasonable, dosed, and in training it is necessary to do without fanaticism. Take care of your he alth!
