Richard A Ekstrom1, Kari Holden. 1. Department of Physical Therapy, University of South Dakota, 414 E Clark St, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA. rekstrom@usd.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Lateral elbow pain has several causes, which can make diagnosis difficult. The purpose of this case report is to describe the examination of and the intervention for a patient with chronic lateral elbow pain who had signs of nerve entrapment. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 43-year-old woman who had right lateral elbow pain for about 4 months, which she attributed to extensive keyboard work on a computer. She had a reduction in joint passive range of motion during "neural tension testing," an examination procedure to detect nerve entrapment. This sign, in combination with other findings, suggested that the patient had a mild entrapment of the deep radial nerve (radial tunnel syndrome). The patient was treated 14 times over a 10-week period with "neural mobilization techniques," which are designed to free nerves for movement; ultrasound; strengthening exercises; and stretching. OUTCOMES: The patient had minimal symptoms at discharge, was pain-free, and had resumed all activities at a 4-month follow-up visit. DISCUSSION: Neural tension testing may be a useful examination procedure and mobilization may be useful for intervention for patients who have lateral elbow pain.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Lateral elbow pain has several causes, which can make diagnosis difficult. The purpose of this case report is to describe the examination of and the intervention for a patient with chronic lateral elbow pain who had signs of nerve entrapment. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 43-year-old woman who had right lateral elbow pain for about 4 months, which she attributed to extensive keyboard work on a computer. She had a reduction in joint passive range of motion during "neural tension testing," an examination procedure to detect nerve entrapment. This sign, in combination with other findings, suggested that the patient had a mild entrapment of the deep radial nerve (radial tunnel syndrome). The patient was treated 14 times over a 10-week period with "neural mobilization techniques," which are designed to free nerves for movement; ultrasound; strengthening exercises; and stretching. OUTCOMES: The patient had minimal symptoms at discharge, was pain-free, and had resumed all activities at a 4-month follow-up visit. DISCUSSION: Neural tension testing may be a useful examination procedure and mobilization may be useful for intervention for patients who have lateral elbow pain.
Authors: Kerry K Gilbert; C Roger James; Gail Apte; Cynthia Brown; Phillip S Sizer; Jean-Michel Brismée; Michael P Smith Journal: J Man Manip Ther Date: 2015-09
Authors: Cynthia L Brown; Kerry K Gilbert; Jean-Michel Brismee; Phillip S Sizer; C Roger James; Michael P Smith Journal: J Man Manip Ther Date: 2011-02