title: Evaluation of common elbow pathologies: a focus on physical examination.
abstract: Elbow tendinopathy accounts for the majority of elbow pathology in patients presenting to upper extremity and sports medicine surgeons. With increased participation in overhead sports in an aging population, the incidence of elbow injuries has risen. A comprehensive knowledge of elbow anatomy and biomechanical function of the elbow complex is prerequisite in the assessment of patients with elbow injuries; however, a thorough understanding of alternative and confounding pathologies is essential for accurate diagnosis. Because tendinopathy, tendonitis, and tendon tears have an anatomic basis for their pathology, a targeted history and meticulous physical examination often yields an accurate clinical diagnosis. The importance of physical examination and provocative examination maneuvers must be stressed in a technologically advanced era where clinical diagnosis is too commonly attained solely by advanced imaging modalities. A revived dedication to the physical examination may enhance our ability to correctly diagnose various pathologies about the elbow. Early and accurate clinical diagnosis is the first step in the proper initiation of treatment modalities and improvement in overall patient outcome.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Orthopedic Surgery , New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center , New York , USA.
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Laratta
authors.affiliation: a Department of Orthopedic Surgery , New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center , New York , USA.
authors.forename: Jon-Michael
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Caldwell
authors.affiliation: a Department of Orthopedic Surgery , New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center , New York , USA.
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lombardi
authors.affiliation: a Department of Orthopedic Surgery , New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center , New York , USA.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Levine
authors.affiliation: a Department of Orthopedic Surgery , New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center , New York , USA.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ahmad
mesh_terms: D000070639:Elbow Tendinopathy / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000379:methods; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D013177:Sports; D013178:Sports Medicine / Q000379:methods; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000092464:Elbow Injuries
keywords: Elbow tendinopathy; biceps rupture; epicondylitis; physical examination; tendinosis; tendonitis; triceps tear