Other Elbow Red Flags

• Elbow Red Flags:

  • Neurological Compromise
  • Cancer
  • Infection
  • Vascular
• Elbow Red Flags:

  • neurological compromise
  • major neurological deficit -> refer onto further investigation
  • e.g. major sensory and strength loss to elbow flexors and extensors -> possible C6/C7 radiculopathy
• Elbow Red Flags:

  • cancer
  • rare in elbow (so often missed)
  • ask the special questions for cancer
  • cancers can be found in soft tissue, cartilage, bones (distal aspect of humerus) at the elbow
• Elbow Red Flags:

  • infection
  • 3rd most commonly infected joint (10 - 15% of septic joint cases)
  • infection to joint through:
  • blood access
  • an open wound
  • spread from an adjacent infection (e.g. cellulitis, abscess, septic bursitis)
• Elbow Red Flags:

  • vascular
  • acute compartment syndrome in forearm
  • 30 minutes of ischemia
  • 3 to 8 hours = necrosis
  • 12 to 24 hours = irreversible nerve damage