II. Pathophysiology

  1. Olecranon impingement within the olecranon fossa
    1. May stimulate the formation of osteophytes with chronic impingement
  2. Young athletes
    1. Results from repetitive valgus stress with elbow in hyperextension (e.g. throwing javelin)
  3. Older patients
    1. Osteoarthritis related osteophyte formation

III. Symptoms

  1. Posterior Elbow pain
    1. Provoked on full elbow extension

IV. Signs

  1. Provoked with passive elbow extension
  2. Fixed flexion deformity (unable to fully extend due to posterior osteophyte)

V. Imaging

  1. Elbow XRay
    1. May demonstrate ostephyte

VI. Management

  1. Avoid provocative activities (i.e. full elbow extension)
  2. Arthroscopy with osteotomy of posterior osteophytes
    1. Indicated in refractory cases

Images: Related links to external sites (from Bing)

Related Studies