Elbow
The elbow is a joint that is quite complex due to the union of 3 bones which provide a hinge and help rotate the forearm as well as the multiple nerves crossing this small joint. WHile pathology is relatively rare compared to the shoulder and many other joints, the problems that do happen can be very challenging to treat. From nuisance tendon problems like tennis elbow to complicated fractures and instability, we can help treat several conditions including:
Dr. Petkovic has treated many patients across the spectrum of age groups and activity levels. Come see us to discuss the options available for your particular elbow problem.
Elbow Anatomy
The elbow is a complex joint formed by the articulation of three bones – the humerus, radius, and ulna. The elbow joint helps in bending or straightening of the arm to 180 degrees and lifting or moving objects.
Elbow Arthroscopy
Elbow arthroscopy, also referred to as keyhole or minimally invasive surgery, is a surgical procedure performed through tiny incisions
Golfer’s Elbow Surgery
Golfer’s elbow is a condition associated with pain on the inside of the elbow where tendons of your forearm attach to the bony prominence (medial epicondyle).
Tennis Elbow Surgery
Tennis elbow is a common name for the elbow condition lateral epicondylitis. It is an overuse injury that causes inflammation
Distal Biceps Repair
The biceps is a large muscle located in the front of your upper arm and runs from the shoulder to the elbow joint.
Triceps Repair
Triceps repair is a surgical procedure that involves the repair of a ruptured (torn) triceps tendon.
Cubital Tunnel Release (Medial Epicondylectomy)
Cubital tunnel release is a surgical procedure to correct cubital tunnel syndrome.
Biceps Tendon Repair
Biceps tendon repair is a surgical procedure to restore a biceps tendon that has been torn or ruptured by severe trauma or injury.
Total Elbow Replacement
Elbow joint replacement, also referred to as total elbow arthroplasty, is an operative procedure to treat the symptoms of arthritis that have not responded to non-surgical treatments.
Elbow Stiffness Surgery
Elbow stiffness surgery is a procedure performed to restore motion in a stiff elbow joint when non-surgical treatments (like physical therapy, splinting, and injections) have not been effective.
Elbow Tendon and Ligament Repair
The elbow joint is supported by the ulnar collateral ligament, radial collateral ligament, and the annular ligament.
Open Elbow Surgery
Open elbow surgery is an operative procedure performed to treat certain conditions of your elbow through a large, open cut (incision) in the skin using a scalpel.
Ulnar Nerve Release
Ulnar nerve release, also known as ulnar nerve decompression, is a surgical procedure to treat a medical condition called ulnar nerve entrapment.
Open Cubital Tunnel Repair
When the elbow is bent, the ulnar nerve can stretch and catch on the bony bump.
UCL Reconstruction (Tommy John Surgery)
Commonly called Tommy John surgery, this procedure involves reconstructing a damaged ligament on the inside of the elbow called the ulnar or medial collateral ligament
Elbow Fracture Reconstruction
Elbow fracture reconstruction is a surgical procedure employed to repair and restore the appearance and full function of a damaged elbow caused by severe trauma or injury.
ORIF of the Humerus Fractures
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of humerus fractures is a surgical technique employed for the treatment of humerus fractures to restore normal anatomy and improve range of motion and function.
Radial Head ORIF and Replacement
Open reduction and internal fixation of the radial head is most often employed to treat severe radial head fractures.
ORIF of the Coronoid Fractures
Coronoid fractures are a break in the coronoid process of the ulna due to trauma or injury.
ORIF of the Distal Humerus Fractures
A distal humerus fracture is a condition that occurs when there is a break in the lower end of the humerus bone that commonly occurs as a result of severe trauma.
Nonunion Surgery (Elbow)
Nonunion is the failure of a broken or fractured bone to heal properly even after appropriate treatment.
PRP Procedure for Tennis Elbow
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for tennis elbow is a regenerative therapy that uses a concentration of a patient’s own blood platelets
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for the Elbow
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a cutting-edge treatment option that involves injecting a concentrated solution of platelets obtained from the patient's own blood into the elbow joint.
Non-Surgical Elbow Treatments
Non-surgical elbow treatments are therapies used to manage elbow pain or injuries without surgery. These are typically recommended for conditions like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, bursitis
Elbow Arthritis
Although the elbows are not weight-bearing joints, they are considered to be most important for the functioning of the upper limbs.
Elbow Osteoarthritis
Elbow osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the elbow, causing the smooth cartilage that lines the ends of the bones (humerus, radius, and ulna) to gradually wear away.
Elbow Stiffness
Elbow stiffness is a condition characterized by a restricted range of motion of the elbow causing difficulty bending, straightening, or rotating your arm.
Triceps Injuries
The triceps or triceps brachii is a crucial muscle of the upper arm (humerus). It runs along the upper arm bone between the shoulder and elbow.
Rheumatoid Elbow
Rheumatoid elbow is a chronic, progressive type of arthritis characterized by swelling and inflammation of the joint lining of the elbow.
Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury
The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), also called the medial collateral ligament, is located on the inside of the elbow and connects the ulna bone to the humerus bone.
Triceps Tendonitis
Triceps tendonitis is inflammation of the triceps tendon, the tissue that connects the triceps muscle on the back of the upper arm to the back of the elbow joint
Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow
Osteochondritis dissecans is a joint condition in which a piece of cartilage, along with a thin layer of bone separates because of inadequate blood supply.
Elbow Instability
Elbow instability is a condition in which the elbow joint occasionally slides out of alignment due to the unstable state of the joint.
Elbow (Olecranon) Fractures
Olecranon fractures are described as a break in the bony tip of the elbow that sticks out when you bend your arm.
Elbow dislocation
Elbow dislocations usually occur when you fall onto an outstretched hand.
Distal Biceps Injuries
The biceps is a large muscle present in front of the upper arm, extending from the shoulder joint to the elbow.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a common name for the elbow condition lateral epicondylitis. It is an overuse injury that causes inflammation and microtears of the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle.
Golfer's Elbow
Golfer’s elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, is a painful condition occurring from repeated muscle contractions in the forearm that leads to inflammation and microtears
Elbow Contracture
Elbow contracture refers to a stiff elbow with a limited range of motion. It is a common complication following elbow surgery, fractures, dislocations, and burns.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
When the elbow is bent, the ulnar nerve can stretch and catch on the bony bump.
Throwing Injuries of the Elbow
An athlete uses an overhand throw to achieve greater speed and distance. Repeated throwing in sports such as baseball
Elbow Ligament Injuries
Elbow ligament injuries are injuries to the tough elastic tissues that connect the bones of the elbow joint to each other.
Triceps Injuries
The triceps or triceps brachii is a crucial muscle of the upper arm (humerus). It runs along the upper arm bone between the shoulder and elbow.
Distal Humerus Fractures of the Elbow
Injury in the distal humerus can cause impairment in the function of the elbow joint.
Radial Head Fractures of the Elbow
Radial head fractures are very common and occur in almost 20% of acute elbow injuries.
Mid-shaft Humerus Fracture
A mid-shaft humerus fracture is a common type of humerus fracture that occurs along the mid-section of the humerus or upper arm bone.
Work-Related Elbow Injuries
Work-related elbow injuries are musculoskeletal conditions that occur due to repetitive motion, overuse, trauma, or strain associated with specific job tasks.
Coronoid Fracture of the Elbow
A coronoid fracture is a break in the coronoid process which is a bony prominence of the ulna bone in the elbow joint.
Adolescent Elbow Injuries
Adolescents are defined as individuals in the age group of 10 to 19 years.
Terrible Triad of the Elbow
Terrible triad of the elbow is a complex injury pattern characterized by three distinct features
Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries (Elbow)
A ligament is a band of elastic, tough fibrous connective tissue around a joint.
