Chronic Elbow Instability
When we think about performing tasks with the upper extremities, what usually comes to mind is our hands and wrists. But without the elbow, so much of what you do each day would be impossible. Think about it: Without your elbow, which governs the placement of your hand in space, much of your upper body movement would have to come from your shoulders and wrists. If chronic elbow instability is left untreated, it can lead to significant pain, decreased range of motion in the elbow, early development of arthritis in the joint, and potentially severe functional limitations, making it difficult to perform everyday activities due to instability and recurrent dislocations, especially for individuals involved in sports requiring repetitive arm movements; in severe cases, this could even end a person’s athletic career. Medical intervention from highly competent and accomplished surgeons like those at Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is crucial.
OVERVIEW
A little-known fact about chronic elbow instability is that it can often be caused by repetitive microtrauma from activities like overhead throwing, even without a significant initial injury. This can lead to gradual ligament damage and a feeling of looseness in the elbow joint, especially in athletes. This is often referred to as “subtle instability” and might not be readily detected on a standard physical exam alone. Chronic elbow instability is a condition characterized by the repeated displacement or abnormal movement of the elbow joint, resulting in a feeling of not just looseness but of weakness or giving way during normal activities. A “loose” elbow can feel like it catches, pops, or slides out of place. It usually means that the stability of the elbow is compromised, often due to injury of the bone or surrounding ligaments. Young adults 15-35 are the most vulnerable age group with a slightly higher incidence in males. It is most common in athletes and manual workers.
ABOUT THE ELBOW
The elbow is a hinge joint system formed by the junction of the humerus (upper arm bone), and radius and ulna (forearm bones). These three bones articulate to form the elbow joint, which is held and supported by muscles and strong ligaments called the lateral ligament (on the outer side) and ulnar collateral ligament (on the inner side). The bones are held together with ligaments that form the joint capsule. The elbow flexes to bend the arm. It can move in four directions:
- Extension: Straightening the arm out further away from the body to reach objects.
- Flexion: The opposite of extension — bending in the lower arm toward the body.
- Supination: Moving the palm up.
- Pronation: Moving the palm down.
Functionally, the elbow is both a hinge joint and a pivot joint. Joints move just like the hinges that hold a door in place. They have a few parts that don’t move, but other pieces travel a specific distance to open and close. The elbow hinges to bend and straighten the arm.
It’s also a pivot joint. Pivot joints rotate in place without moving out of their original position. The elbow pivoting is what lets one turn the forearm over to move the palm up and down.
WHAT IS CHRONIC ELBOW INSTABILITY?
Elbow instability is a sense of looseness in the elbow joint that may cause the joint to catch, pop, or slide out of place during certain arm movements. It most often occurs as the result of an injury — typically, an elbow dislocation. A dislocation is an event when the joint stays out of place. This type of injury can damage the bone and ligaments that surround the elbow joint.
The term subluxation refers to a partial dislocation, which means the joint partially slips out but then goes back in place. When the elbow is loose and repeatedly feels as if it might slip out of place, it is called recurrent or chronic elbow instability.
Read more about Chronic Elbow Instability on our new Colorado Springs Orthopedic News Site – Colorado Springs Orthopedic News. Schedule an appointment with an elbow specialist today.
