Elbow
The WOSM Center of Elbow Excellence is a subdivision of the group focused on providing the highest level of care for complex elbow injuries. Our elbow specialists are fellowship-trained and board-certified, which means they have completed the highest form of training an orthopaedic or sports medicine physician can achieve.
The elbow is a complicated hinge joint made of the humerus, radius, and ulna. In addition to flexion and extension, the elbow also allows rotation of the forearm. Because of the complexity of the elbow, injuries can impair both the range of motion and the function of the elbow. An elbow specialist should promptly examine any elbow injury in order to preserve the function of the joint.
At WOSM, our physicians will provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your elbow or arm symptoms. You can expect a thorough evaluation, including a complete history and upper extremity physical examination. If you have X-rays or other diagnostic images, you should bring them with you. If you do not, your doctor may recommend further imaging studies. Your evaluation will include:
- Clinical exam
- X-rays if indicated
- Evaluation of outside imaging tests, like MRI and CT scan as necessary
- Evaluation of nerve studies as necessary
Elbow Treatment
After the evaluation, your doctor will make treatment recommendations, which may include further testing. We will discuss all reasonable options. In our practice, we focus on creating an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Your specific needs and goals will determine how your condition is treated.
Our first line of treatment typically includes a combination of activity modification, rest, splinting, physical therapy and/or medication to control pain. However, some elbow conditions may benefit from surgical treatment.
Surgery
If surgery is necessary, you should know you are in excellent hands, as our elbow specialists have a combined experience of more than 45 years performing elbow surgery. If your doctor does recommend surgery, our helpful staff will explain everything you need to know to prepare for surgery. After surgery, your doctor will check on you and then expect to see you in the office about a week later to make sure you are making an appropriate recovery.
Common Elbow Conditions
Some common elbow conditions we treat include:
- Fractures and Dislocations
- Complex ligament injuries
- Contractures (limited motion)
- Nerve and Tendon Lacerations
- Biceps Tendon Rupture and Biceps Tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfers’ Elbow
- Bone, cartilage, and ligament repair and reconstruction
- Valgus Extension Overload
- Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury of the Elbow (Elbow sprain)
- Ulnar Nerve Contusion
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (ulnar neuritis)
- Radial Tunnel Syndrome
- Anterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome
- Pronator Syndrome
It is with a grateful heart that we announce Dr. Anthony Unger’s retirement, effective December 31, 2024. As a founding member of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Dr. Unger has had the privilege of forming lasting relationships with many patients and their families. It has been a true honor for him to provide care across multiple generations, and he deeply values the trust placed in him by so many.