Snapping Elbow Research Articles

Role of dynamic ultrasound in assessment of the snapping elbow and distal biceps tendon injury.

Ultrasound is useful in assessing patients with snapping syndromes around the elbow joint. The dynamic nature of the examination allows for direct visualisation of the underlying causative factor.Topic description: We discuss the role of dynamic ultrasound in assessing various snapping syndromes around the elbow, such as ulnar nerve instability, snapping triceps and less commonly, snapping brachialis. Ultrasound is also useful in evaluating the distal biceps tendon, particularly in differentiating partial from complete tendon injury. Ulnar nerve instability and snapping triceps can be assessed via a medial approach with the transducer placed transversely between the medial epicondyle and the olecranon. In ulnar nerve instability, the nerve can be seen crossing over the medial epicondyle on elbow flexion. In snapping triceps syndrome, both the ulnar nerve and the distal triceps can be seen dislocating over the medial epicondyle. Dynamic assessment of the distal biceps tendon using a lateral approach minimises anisotropy artefact often seen on the anterior approach. Passive pronation and supination of the forearm will reveal little or no movement in a completely torn tendon whereas moving tendon fibres will be appreciated in partial tears. In a snapping brachialis, the medial portion of brachialis will be seen abnormally translocating anterolateral to the medial border of the trochlea during elbow flexion and snapping back into its normal position on elbow extension. Dynamic ultrasound of the elbow is valuable in diagnosing patients with snapping sensations around the joint and in evaluating the integrity of the distal biceps tendon.

“Medial Epicondyle Fracture leading to Snapping Elbow with Ulnar Neuropathy”

“Medial Epicondyle Fracture leading to Snapping Elbow with Ulnar Neuropathy”

Snapping elbow-A guide to diagnosis and treatment

AIMTo develop practical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of the painful snapping elbow syndrome (SE).METHODSClinical studies were searched in the databases PubMed and Scopus for the phrases “SE”, “snapping triceps”, “snapping ulnar nerve” and “snapping annular ligament”. A total of 36 relevant studies were identified. From these we extracted information about number of patients, diagnostic methods, patho-anatomical findings, treatments and outcomes. Practical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of SE were developed based on analysis of the data. We present two illustrative patient cases-one with intra-articular pathology and one with extra-articular pathology.RESULTSSnapping is audible, palpable and often visible. It has a lateral (intra-articular) or medial (extra-articular) pathology. Snapping over the medial humeral epicondyle is caused by dislocation of the ulnar nerve or a part of the triceps tendon, and is demonstrated by dynamic ultrasonography. Treatment is by open surgery. Lateral snapping over the radial head has an intra-articular pathology: A synovial plica, a torn annular ligament or a meniscus-like remnant from the foetal elbow. Pathology can be visualized by conventional arthrography, magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography, high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy, while conventional MRI and radiographs often turn out normal. Treatment is by arthroscopic or eventual open resection. Early surgical intervention is recommended as the snapping can damage the ulnar nerve (medial) or the intra-articular cartilage (lateral). If medial snapping only occurs during repeated or loaded extension/flexion of the elbow (in sports or work) it may be treated by reduction of these activities. Differential diagnoses are loose bodies (which can be visualized by radiographs) and postero-lateral instability (demonstrates by clinical examination). An algorithm for diagnosis and treatment is suggested.CONCLUSIONThe primary step is establishment of laterality. From this follows relevant diagnostic measures and treatment as defined in this guideline.

Diagnosis of a Snapping Elbow Caused by Hypertrophic Plica, Using Ultrasound

Diagnosis of a Snapping Elbow Caused by Hypertrophic Plica, Using Ultrasound

Blocage du coude en rapport avec une luxation congénitale de la tête radiale : à propos d’un cas

Snapping elbow is a rare condition which has various possible causes such as impinged plica, annular ligament or other extra-articular causes. We report a case of 15-year-old boy who had snapping elbow and sudden onset flexion contracture of the elbow. Simple radiographs showed bilateral anterior dislocation of hypoplastic radial heads. Magnetic resonance images with the elbow extended as much as possible showed that the annular ligament hemmed the dislocated radial neck. By surgical incision of the annular ligament which check-reined the radial neck, the patients could regain full extension of the elbow. We recommend careful consideration of surgical excision of ligamentous structure which blocks extension in the patients who have history of snapping elbow with congenital radial head dislocation.

Elbow locking in a patient with a congenital radial head dislocation: Case report

Snapping elbow is a rare condition, which has various possible causes such as impinged plica, annular ligament, or other extra-articular causes. We report a case of 15-year-old boy who had snapping elbow and sudden-onset flexion contracture of the elbow. Simple radiographs showed bilateral anterior dislocation of hypoplastic radial heads. Magnetic resonance images with the elbow extended as much as possible showed that the annular ligament hemmed the dislocated radial neck. By surgical incision of the annular ligament which checkreined the radial neck, the patients could regain full extension of the elbow. We recommend careful consideration of surgical excision of ligamentous structure which blocks extension in the patients who have history of snapping elbow with congenital radial head dislocation.

An Adult Snapping Elbow Diagnosed with CT Arthrography; A Case Report

An Adult Snapping Elbow Diagnosed with CT Arthrography; A Case Report

Dislocation of the Medial Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve and the Ulnar Nerve in Painful Snapping Elbow

Dislocation of the Medial Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve and the Ulnar Nerve in Painful Snapping Elbow

Lateral sided snapping elbow caused by a meniscus: two case reports and literature review

Lateral sided snapping elbow is an unusual condition, and it is apt to be misdiagnosed as lateral epicondylitis. The causes of lateral sided snapping elbow have been attributed to intraarticular loose bodies, instability, synovial plicae and torn annular ligament. We report our experiences for treating lateral sided snapping elbow caused by a meniscus in the radio-humeral joint. In the present cases, the cause of snapping was detected using double contrast arthrogram under fluoroscopic control, and histology revealed that it was a meniscus. Complete removal of the meniscus allowed immediate relief of the symptom, and there was no recurrence in both cases.

관절경을 이용한 주관절 활막 추벽의 제거

Purpose: To report our experience with nine cases of pathologic synovial plica on radiohumeral joint which symptom of painful snapping elbow was improved by arthroscopic resection. Materials and Methods: Between 1999 and 2004, 43 cases of elbow arthroscopy were performed by one surgeon. Eight patients with nine cases showed pathologic synovial plica in conjunction with snapping or posterolateral elbow pain. The mean age of eight patients (man: 7, woman: 1) was 29 years (range years). All patients had a trial of conservative treatment at least six months (range months). The diagnosis was confirmed before surgery in six cases and at the time of surgery in three cases. Pain, snapping, and subjective results were evaluated at least 12 months in the average(range ). Results: All patients showed a hypertropic lateral synovial plica with local synovitis. Seven of them had an associated lesion of chondromalacia on radial head. One of them was associated with radiocapitellar arthritis and had a wrapping over the radial head. Six patients experienced improved posterolateral pain at the end of study (VAS

Usefulness of MRI for diagnosis of painful snapping elbow

Painful snapping of the elbows is rare. We report on a 12-year-old boy with a painful snap in both elbows. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of the elbow using microscopy coils detected a synovial fold interposed in each humeroradial joint and was very helpful in establishing the cause of symptoms. Resection of the synovial folds was performed with subsequent relief of symptoms.

Bilateral painful snapping elbows triggered by daily dumbbell exercises: a case report

We treated a 64-year-old female with bilateral painful snapping elbows due to synovial folds. Resection of the bilateral synovial folds resulted in relief from pain and snapping, and resulted in patient satisfaction. Daily dumbbell exercises of the bilateral elbows starting at an elderly age may have led to the bilateral snapping. Painful snapping elbow is a relatively rare condition, which usually occurs in a unilateral elbow of a younger patient. To our knowledge, bilateral painful snapping elbows triggered by daily dumbbell exercises in older patients have not been previously reported.

A meniscus causing painful snapping of the elbow joint: MR imaging with arthroscopic and histologic correlation

Snapping of the elbow joint can cause pain. We report a case of painful snapping elbow produced by an interposed meniscus in the radiohumeral joint in a 20-year-old man. The MR arthrogram demonstrated a meniscus-like tissue interposed between the radial head and humeral capitellum. The MR-arthrographic findings were well correlated with surgical findings. The location and appearance of the meniscus-like tissue was similar to that of meniscus in the knee joint. Histologic findings of the excised meniscus-like tissue showed a typical presentation of fibrocartilage. A meniscus may exist in the elbow joint and can be a rare cause of painful snapping elbow. MR arthrography is helpful for identifying the snapping tissue in the elbow joint.

Snapping annular ligament of the elbow joint in the throwing arms of young brothers

We examined young brothers with symptomatic snapping elbow in the throwing arm. Arthroscopic examination confirmed the mechanism of snapping, in which loose and protruded annular ligament-like tissue covered the volar half of the radial head in elbow extension and uncovered the radial head in deep elbow flexion. Arthroscopic resection of the annular ligament-like tissue was performed in one brother. Histologic examination of the removed tissue showed degenerated ligament tissue. Excision of loose annular ligament abolished snapping. Contralateral elbows of the brothers also showed similar asymptomatic snapping. Researchers suggest that a hereditary factor contributing to loose annular ligament and repetitive microtrauma from throwing is the cause of symptoms.

요골 상완골 관절의 발음성 추벽 - 증례보고 -

We experienced rare cases of Snapping plicae on radiohumeral joint which arthoscopic plicae resection improved symptom of painful snapping elbow. We report that Arthroscopy can be used as a effective therapeutic and diagnostic method for snapping plicae on radiohumeral joint with a review of its literature.

Snapping plicae associated with radiocapitellar chondromalacia

Purpose: Painful snapping of the elbow joint is usually attributed to intra-articular loose bodies, instability, or medial dislocation of the triceps muscle over the medial epicondyle. We report our experience with 14 patients who were treated arthroscopically for snapping elbow that was found to be caused by hypertrophic synovial folds associated with radiocapitellar chondromalacia. Type of Study: Case series. Methods: The records of 14 patients who were treated arthroscopically for painful snapping elbows caused by intra-articular plicae were reviewed. There were 6 women and 8 men with an average age of 36 years (range, 27 to 48 years). Nine patients had had some type of trauma to the joint. Four patients had been previously diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis and 5 with intra-articular loose bodies. The average time from initial onset of symptoms to treatment was 13 months (range, 8 to 36 months). Average follow-up was 24 months (range, 6 to 66 months). Results: All patients complained of painful snapping in the posterolateral or anterolateral aspect of the elbow. The snapping occurred between 90° and 110° of flexion with the forearm in pronation. In 7 patients, the snapping was reproducible by passively flexing the pronated elbow, which we refer to as the flexion-pronation test. At the time of arthroscopic surgery, all patients had a thickened synovial plica that would snap back and forward over the radial head, usually associated with a chondromalacic area on the radial head. Twelve patients had complete relief of their snapping after surgery. One patient in whom there was associated posterolateral rotatory elbow instability did not improve. One patient became asymptomatic for 4 years but then had recurrence of her symptoms, which persisted despite 2 subsequent arthroscopies. Conclusions: The presence of synovial plicae in the radiocapitellar joint must be considered in the differential diagnosis of painful snapping elbow. Arthroscopy confirms the diagnosis and allows excision of the plica.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 5 (May-June), 2001: pp 491–495

弾発肘の２例

Snapping elbow is a comparatively rare disease.We report two cases of snapping elbow caused by the annular ligament. The first case was a 44-year-old man. Overworking his left elbow caused snapping elbow. The second case was a 22-year-old woman. She had bilateral elbow snapping from childhood without pain. She started to practice gymnastics when she was in the fifth grade of her elementary school. She finally felt pain in her snapping elbows when she was 22 years old, and therefore underwent operation of both side elbows. We resected the obstacle liaked to her annular ligament at the radio humeral joint, and obtained good results.

A Case Report of Painful Snapping Elbow due to Incarcerated Annular Ligament

A Case Report of Painful Snapping Elbow due to Incarcerated Annular Ligament

Traumatic snapping elbow

Traumatic snapping elbow