The elbow joint is an anatomical formation where the bones of the shoulder are connected 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 prone to tension with anguish. A fracture of the elbow joint is also possible . Along with this damage, muscles are also affected, which, of course, is accompanied by a limitation of functions. In childhood, sprain is less painful, due to their increased elasticity. However, such injuries in children require increased care, since an incompletely formed ligamentous apparatus during injuries can lead to extremely undesirable consequences. The elbow joint may simply become deformed.
The causal nature of injuries
For the most part, ligaments are prone to individuals who are characterized by prolonged severe physical exertion. This is mainly observed in athletes. This category can include movers. Such injuries of the elbow joint, such as a fracture, dislocation, sprain, are accompanied by the following factors:
- physical activity of high intensity, which can be observed during training athletes;
- unsuccessful fall on the arm, which is extended at the elbow;
- a blow to the elbow with a bent arm;
- unsuccessful sharp movement in the elbow joint;
- immoderate weight lifting;
- the cause may be osteoporosis, which affects bone tissue;
- hormonal pathology;
- elderly people with physiological weakening of muscle fibers.
Sprain may accompany dislocation of the elbow joint.
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, the appearance of a small edema can be observed. Pain of low intensity, which allows for treatment outside the hospital. The patient is undergoing treatment 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 to the sick leave, due to the fact that short-term disability.
- In the presence of the third degree, the ligaments of the elbow joint are torn. These are closed injuries of the elbow tendons. The condition is accompanied by severe pain, there is a pronounced restriction of movements in the elbow. Damage to the elbow joint of the 3rd degree requires qualified medical care, and the rehabilitation period is long.
Symptom complex with sprains in the elbow joint
The condition is characterized by the presence of the following clinical signs:
- Pain comes to the fore. The pain is increasing. Its amplification is noted during movements and at night.
- Pain extends to the wrist and forearm.
- Severe pain does not allow fully bending and unbending the arm.
- Elbow blood vessels may burst, resulting in hemorrhages.
- There is a pronounced swelling of the upper limb, especially at the elbow.
- The hand loses the necessary sensitivity.
- The joint capsule may burst and damage to nerve endings and tendons may occur.
- Externally, the joint is changed, with the presence of signs of deformation.
- The body responds to injury and the general reaction in the form of fever.
If the sprain is accompanied by a rupture of the ligaments, then the intensity of the pain is very high. The elbow is motionless due to pain. Sometimes there is a stretch, but it manifests itself very weakly and sluggishly. This condition is doubly dangerous, since an increased load continues to act on the joint. In such cases, complications can very easily join. 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:
- Tendonitis. During training sessions, pain occurs during it. Tendons become inflamed. The joint is hot to the touch. When movement is noted in the joints, they crackle.
- Epicondylitis In the first place, the occurrence of severe pain is noted. Their progression is characteristic. In ligaments, inflammatory changes are noted. The pain intensifies when you try to squeeze your hand into a fist.
- If a strong blow came to the elbow, then the occurrence of ulnar bursitis.
Diagnostic measures
If there are similar injuries and diseases of the elbow joint, the patient must certainly consult an experienced trauma doctor or surgeon. An injury in the elbow of 1-2 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.
With injuries of 3 severity, especially complicated, it is required to clarify the diagnosis using instrumental examination methods. The following events provide invaluable assistance in making a diagnosis:
- X-ray examination in the elbow.
- The use of computed tomography (CT). It allows you to determine the degree to which the articular ligaments are damaged.
- Ultrasound examination of the state of muscle fiber.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Pulsometry It allows you to determine what sensitivity has an injured limb.
Neurologist consultation may be required. It can determine the presence or absence of damage to nerve fibers.
Assistance measures
With bruised elbow joints, the symptoms of the disease when obvious, you must 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. Activities are simple and come down to the following actions:
- If the damaged area is covered with restraining clothing, then the hand should be vacated.
- 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 the ice from the refrigerator.
- Maximum immobilization of the joint in order to limit movements in it. Use an elastic bandage or apply a splint.
- The arm must be elevated. It will also reduce swelling.
- If the patient can tolerate, then it is better not to give analgesics before the doctor arrives. They can smooth out the clinical picture.
Injury treatment
After the doctor has made the final diagnosis, appropriate treatment is prescribed. If the ligaments or tendons are torn, then the application of a splint or plaster is indicated.
Treatment with drugs involves complexity and a different focus:
- To relieve swelling and eliminate pain, ointments are prescribed (Fastum Gel, Voltaren, Dolgit).
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ("Ibuprofen"). They will also help eliminate puffiness and eliminate pain.
- The fight against edema is carried out by taking diuretics ("Diakarb").
- You can reduce pain by lowering muscle tone. For this purpose, the appointment of muscle relaxants ("Midokalm") is indicated.
- It is necessary to repair damaged cartilage tissue. For this purpose, use chondroprotectors ("Chondroxide", "Teraflex").
- Treatment is carried out against the background of measures to strengthen the body. A course of vitamin therapy is prescribed.
If the patient has an injury in the elbow joint, one should not forget about the proper nutrition of the patient. The food is balanced, rich in minerals and vitamins.
If an extensive rupture of ligaments in the elbow joint is diagnosed, then surgical intervention is indicated. Bundles stitch. The operation is also indicated if nerve fibers are damaged.
The operation can be performed using a device called an arthroscope. He can also additionally examine the intraarticular elbow cavity, remove the accumulated blood that appeared in the joint cavity as a result of an injury, and perform some other medical manipulations.
If there is a dislocation, a surgeon will be required.
The main treatment can be supplemented by alternative medicine methods. Carry out local application of compresses and lotions with tinctures and decoctions of various medicinal herbs.
Patient rehabilitation
After the full course of treatment is completed, after 2-3 weeks, the damaged elbow begins to recover. During the rehabilitation period, various physiotherapeutic procedures are carried out. Their task is to accelerate the recovery period after injury. As a result of physiotherapy, metabolism improves and blood circulation accelerates. Physiotherapists in their arsenal have a sufficient arsenal of tools 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. Monitoring of the exercises is carried out by the instructor. In case of injury to the elbow joint, the doctor's recommendations must be strictly observed. Otherwise, this can lead to disastrous consequences.
During the recovery period, adequate nutrition is required. It must be complete and balanced with a sufficient content of all necessary substances, minerals and vitamins. Calcium-rich foods are shown.
After the recovery period ends, you need to re-see a doctor. He will give all the necessary recommendations.
Conclusion
Of course, for the prevention of situations such as bruising of the elbow joint, prevention is of paramount importance. All loads should be reasonable, metered, and in training, you must do without fanaticism. Be attentive to your health!