Elbow Orthopedic Treatment & Surgery
What Does an Elbow Specialist Do?
An elbow specialist is an orthopedic elbow doctor who has completed fellowship training specializing in elbow treatments. They are experienced in diagnosing and treating problems related to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and nerves of the elbow. This includes acute injuries, overuse injuries, and other conditions.
Expert orthopedic elbow surgeons do not just perform surgery. In fact, many will try conservative treatments before recommending surgery when possible.
When Should You See an Elbow Specialist?
It is recommended to see an elbow specialist if you have severe pain or pain that has not gone away despite home care efforts. Also, if your pain is accompanied by swelling or redness, it may require evaluation by a specialist. Another reason to see an elbow specialist is if you have trouble bending your arm or rotating your palm.
Understanding the Elbow Joint
The elbow is made up of three bones: the humerus, radius, and ulna. The joint is stabilized by the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL). Movement is achieved through the triceps and biceps muscles. Four nerves pass through the elbow joint, including the radial, median, ulnar, and musculocutaneous nerve.
Problems involving any of these structures can cause pain or difficulty with movement.
