Medial epicondylitis
Background
- Overuse syndrome affecting the wrist and digit flexors
- Also seen in pitchers and rock-climbers
- Also known as "Golfer's elbow"
Tendinopathy Types
- Patellar tendonitis
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Medial epicondylitis (golf elbow)
- Pes anserine bursitis
Clinical Features
- TTP over medial epicondyle and pain with forced flexion and pronation of forearm/wrist
- Ulnar neuropathy may develop (given proximity of ulnar nerve to medial epicondyle)
Differential Diagnosis
Elbow Diagnoses
Radiograph-Positive
- Distal humerus fracture
- Radial head fracture
- Capitellum fracture
- Olecranon fracture
- Elbow dislocation
Radiograph-Negative
- Biceps tendon rupture/dislocation
- Lateral epicondylitis
- Medial epicondylitis
- Olecranon bursitis (nonseptic)
- Pronator teres syndrome
- Septic bursitis
Pediatric
- Nursemaid's elbow
- Supracondylar fracture
- Lateral epicondyle fracture
- Medial epicondyle fracture
- Olecranon fracture
- Radial head fracture
- Salter-Harris fractures
Management
- Conservative: rest, ice, NSAIDs, immobilization (often via counterforce brace)
Disposition
- Outpatient management