Elbow Anatomy
The elbow is a complex joint, made up of the humerus above, with the Ulna and Radius below. This allows elbow flexion and extension, but also rotation of the forearm.
Our elbow procedures:
Elbow Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, or keyhole surgery, is the most advanced way to deal with problems within the elbow joint. It allows visualisation of the joint with minimal trauma. Conditions such as loose bodies, which can cause catching, locking, impingement, synovitis, inflammation, or joint contractures, can readily be resolved with rapid recovery.
Golfers Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Pain at the attachment of the muscles on the inside of the elbow is known as golfer's elbow or medial epicondylitis. The symptoms are pain with gripping or wrist flexion. Treatment is generally rest, exercises, injections, or surgery.
Tennis elbow is the common name for the elbow condition lateral epicondylitis. It is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the tendons that attach to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow. It is a painful condition occurring from repeated muscle contractions in the forearm that leads to inflammation and microtears in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle. Treatment is generally rest, exercises, injections, or surgery.
Tennis Elbow
(Lateral Epicondylitis)
The biceps has two heads at the upper end and only one at the elbow. Whilst rupture of the long head, at the shoulder, is often treated conservatively, without the need for surgery, if the biceps ruptures at the elbow it is much more serious. This often requires surgical repair and is best repaired within three weeks of the injury.
Biceps Rupture at the Elbow
The Ulnar nerve passes through a tunnel (Cubital Tunnel) just behind the elbow. The nerve can be compressed in this tunnel causing pain, numbness in the little and ring finger. This can be confirmed on electrical testing and often requires surgery to release the nerve and to move it into a safer
Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Elbow
(Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)
Our specialist elbow surgeon is:
A/Prof Chris Roberts
MB BS, FRACS, FAOrthA
A/Prof Roberts graduated with Honours from the University of Sydney in 1982. He completed his advanced Orthopaedic training in Sydney.