Specialties - Arm/Hand/ Elbow
Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
 Signs & Symptoms:
- Pain and tenderness over the epicondyles. Pain worsens with gripping or rotation of the forearm.
- Weak grip.
- Pain when twisting the hand and arm, as when playing tennis, throwing a ball with a twist, bowling, golfing, pushing off while skiing or using a screwdriver.
Causes
Partial tear of the tendon and attached covering of the bone caused by:
- Chronic stress on the tissues that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow area.
- Sudden stress on the forearm.
- Wrist snap when serving balls in racket sports.
- Incorrect grip.
- Incorrect hitting position.
- Using a racket or club that is too heavy.
- Using an oversize grip.
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For additional information visit: AAOS Online Service Fact Sheet - Tennis Elbow
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
How does it occur?
 Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. People who use their hands and wrists repeatedly in the same way (for example, illustrators, carpenters, and assembly-line workers) tend to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
Pressure on the nerve may also be caused by a fracture or other injury, which may cause inflammation and swelling. In addition, pressure may be caused by inflammation and swelling associated with arthritis, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also occur during pregnancy.
The symptoms include:
- pain, numbness, or tingling in your hand and wrist, especially in the thumb and index and middle fingers, and occasionally in the upper arm
- increased pain with increased use of your hand
- increased pain at night
- weak grip and tendency to drop objects held in the hand
- sensitivity to cold
- muscle deterioration especially in the thumb (in later stages).
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For additional information visit: AAOS Online Service Fact Sheet - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Trigger Finger
What is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger is a common disorder of the hand which causes a painful snapping or locking of the fingers or thumb. The medical name for this condition is stenosing tenosynovitis. Stenosing refers to the narrowing of an opening or passageway in the body. Tenosynovitis refers to inflammation of the outer covering of the tendons that bend and extend the fingers and thumb. The tendons are tough, fibrous cords that connect the muscles of the forearm to the bones of the fingers and thumb. This muscle and tendon system enables one to bend the fingers inward when making a fist, and extend them out straight.
What are the Causes?
The exact cause of trigger finger or thumb is not always readily apparent. In many cases, however, this condition may be the result of repeated strain of this area due to work or hobby activities. Tasks that require repetitive grasping or the prolonged use of tools (scissors, screwdrivers, etc.) which press firmly on the tendon sheath at the base of the finger or thumb may irritate the tendons and result in thickening of the tendons themselves or the tendon sheath. Symptoms of trigger finger may also be associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or metabolic disorders such as diabetes that produce changes in connective tissues and synovium.
Click Here to view an animated overview of the procedure
For additional information visit: AAOS Online Service Fact Sheet - Trigger Finger
Biceps Tendon Repair
What is a biceps tendon tear?
The biceps tendon connects the biceps muscle to the shoulder and the elbow and allows you to bend your elbow, rotate your forearm, stabilize the shoulder and accelerate the arm during overhead motions. This tendon can easily be damaged as a result of injury, overuse or age, which may cause the tendon to become inflamed or to tear in more severe cases. These injuries may cause severe pain, bruising and weakness in the arm. The biceps tendon can be injured at the shoulder or elbow end.
How is a biceps tendon tear treated?
There are several treatment options available for a biceps tendon tear, depending on the location and severity of the condition. Your doctor may first recommend conservative treatment methods such as rest, ice, immobilization and anti-inflammatory medication.
More severe injuries may require surgery to repair the tear. Biceps tendon repair surgery for the shoulder can usually be performed through arthroscopy to reduce the incision size and recovery time of the procedure. There are several different options available for surgery, which may include shaving away the torn fibers, removing the torn tendon stump and reattaching the remaining tendon (tenodesis), or completely reattaching torn tendons with screws and sutures.
Although less common than shoulder tears, biceps tendon tears at the elbow are often more severe, and almost always require surgery to repair. Surgery for elbow tears usually involves using suture material to grab the tendon and then attach it to the bone to ensure that it stays in place. This procedure often allows patients to enjoy the strength and range of motion comparable to that of an uninjured arm.
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