Elbow injuries constitute a sizeable percentage of tennis injuries. A basic understanding of biomechanics of tennis and analysis of the forces, loads and motions of the elbow during tennis will improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of these injuries. All different strokes in tennis have a different repetitive biomechanical nature that can result in tennis-related injuries. In this article, a biomechanically-based evaluation of tennis strokes is presented. This overview includes all tennis-related pathologies of the elbow joint, whereby the possible relation of biomechanics to pathology is analysed, followed by treatment recommendations.

The elbow is prone to stiffness due to its unique anatomy and profound capsular reaction to inflammation. The resulting movement impairment may significantly interfere with a patient’s activities of daily living. Trauma (including surgery for trauma), posttraumatic arthritis, and heterotopic ossification (HO) are the most common causes of elbow stiffness. In stiffness caused by soft tissue contractures, initial conservative treatment with physiotherapy (PT) and splinting is advised. In cases in which osseous deformities limit range of motion (e.g. malunion, osseous impingement, or HO), early surgical intervention is recommended. Open and arthroscopic arthrolysis are the primary surgical options. Arthroscopic arthrolysis has a lower complication and revision rate but has narrower indications. Early active mobilization using PT after surgery is recommended in postoperative rehabilitation and may be complemented by splinting or continuous passive motion therapy. Most results are gained within the first few months but can continue to improve until 12 months. This paper reviews the current literature and provides state-of-the-art guidance on the management regarding prevention, evaluation, and treatment of elbow stiffness.

Background In the presence of additional disruption of the distal radioulnar ligaments, the interosseous membrane, or the lateral- and/or medial collateral ligament, radial head fractures treated by resection will result in valgus elbow instability, proximal radial migration and/or posterolateral rotatory instability. Radial head replacement has been used to treat or prevent this. We report our experience with the Judet CRF II radial head prosthesis. Patients and methods We treated 11 patients with a bipolar radial head prosthesis because of elbow instability after previous treatment for Mason-Johnston type III or IV radial head fractures. The outcome was assessed clinically using two standardized elbow function assessment scales, and radiographically after a mean follow-up of 2 years. Results Clinical outcome was either good or excellent in all patients; all elbows were stable. Radiographically, there were no signs of loosening, fracture or heterotopic ossification. 2 patients required reoperation for subluxation of the prosthesis; both were treated by reducing the size of the modular head of the prosthesis. There was erosion of the capitellum in 1 patient. Interpretation Bipolar radial head replacement can be used successfully for treatment of the sequelae of radial head fractures. The long-term outcome is, however, unknown. ▪

The ligamentous, osseous, musculotendinous, and neural structures at the postero-medial side of the elbow are at risk for various injuries in overhead athletes. The combination of valgus and extension overload during overhead activities results in tensile forces along the medial stabilising structures, with compression on the lateral compartment and shear stress posteriorly. The combination of tensile forces medially and shear forces posteriorly can result in ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears, flexor–pronator mass injuries, neuritis of the ulnar nerve, posterior impingement, and olecranon stress fractures. Most symptomatic conditions of the overhead athlete can be treated conservatively initially. In cases where conservative treatment is unsuccessful surgical intervention is indicated. Recent advances in arthroscopic surgical techniques and ligamentous reconstruction ensure that the prognosis for return to pre-injury level is good.

Background: Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder in workers, often associated with physically demanding work. Knowledge of work‐relatedness of LE is crucial to develop appropriate preventive measures. This study investigates the prospective association between work‐related physical risk factors and LE.Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in MedLine using PubMed from January 1, 2010 until February 16, 2021. Published reports were included if: (1) LE was clinically assessed, (2) exposure to work‐related physical risk factors was assessed, and (3) associations between LE and work‐related physical risk factors were reported in prospective studies. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation.Results: In total, 318 workers with LE from a population of 5036 workers in five studies were included. Meta‐analyses revealed high‐quality evidence for associations between LE and a Strain Index (SI) score >5.1 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–2.78) and moderate‐quality evidence for forearm rotation >4 h/day or forearm rotation ≥45° for ≥45% time (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.10–3.10). Gripping, flexion and extension of the wrist, and repetitive movements showed no significant associations with LE.Conclusion: High‐quality evidence was found indicating that a higher SI increased the risk of LE. Moderate‐quality evidence was found for an association between forearm rotation and LE. No associations were found between other physical risk factors and LE. Primary preventive interventions should focus on a reduction of the SI and of high forearm rotation in work.

AnaDistalhumerus fractures (DHFs) are challenging to treat due to the locally complex osseous and soft tissue anatomy. Adequate exposure of the articular surface of the distal humerus is crucial when performing an anatomical reconstruction of the elbow. Even though “triceps-on” approaches are gaining popularity, one of the most commonly used surgical treatments for DHF is olecranon osteotomy. The incidence of complications related to this approach is unclear. This review was performed to assess the type and frequency of complications that occur with the olecranon osteotomy approach in the treatment of DHF. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library digital databases up to February 2020. Only English articles describing complications of olecranon osteotomy in the treatment of DHF were included. Data on patient and surgical characteristics and complications were extracted. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. A total of 41 articles describing 1,700 osteotomies were included, and a total of 447 complications were reported. Of these 447 complications, wound infections occurred in 4.2% of osteotomies, of which 1.4% were deep infections and 2.8% were superficial. Problems related with union occurred in 3.7% of osteotomies, 2% of which represented non-union and 1.7% delayed union. The high risk of complications in olecranon osteotomy must be considered in the decision to perform this procedure in the treatment of DHF.