General Guideline Principles for Elbow Injury
for workers compensation patients

The New York State workers compensation board has developed these guidelines to help physicians, podiatrists, and other healthcare professionals provide appropriate treatment for Elbow Injury.

These Workers Compensation Board guidelines are intended to assist healthcare professionals in making decisions regarding the appropriate level of care for their patients with ankle and foot disorders.

The guidelines are not a substitute for clinical judgement or professional experience. The ultimate decision regarding care must be made by the patient in consultation with his or her healthcare provider.

History Taking and Physical Examination of Elbow Injury

Physical examination and history-taking lay the groundwork for and direct the progression of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. When findings from clinical evaluations and those from other diagnostic techniques do not agree, preference should be given to the objective clinical findings. The following should be appropriately documented in the medical records:

History of Present Injury

• The mechanism of injury, which includes information on the onset and progression of symptoms as well as symptoms that could develop as a result of postural or functional adaptation to the elbow injury

   

• Relationship to work: This comprises an assessment of the likelihood that the ailment or injury is caused by the job;

   

• Injury history, both occupational and non-occupational, to the same region mentioning particular past therapies;

   

• The capacity to conduct job-related duties and everyday life activities; and

   

• Things that can worsen symptoms and make them go away; not just for the elbow.

Past History

• Neoplasm, gout, arthritis, and diabetes are just a few of the past medical conditions that could have been present;

   

• Examining systems entails, but is not limited to, examining signs of neoplastic, rheumatologic, neurologic, endocrine, and other systemic diseases;

   

• Smoking history;

   

• Occupations and leisure activities.

   

• Past surgical history.

Physical Examination of Elbow Injury

A joint should be examined from both the top and bottom, as well as the opposite side for comparison. A physical examination should use procedures and tests that are appropriate for the joint or area being evaluated, such as:

• Visual inspection;

   

• Palpation;

   

• Motion range and quality (active and passive);

   

• Strength (weakness/atrophy);

   

• Joint integrity/stability;

   

• Examination for displacement/deformity, particularly the claw phenomena;

   

• Integrity of the distal circulation, if relevant to damage; and/or

   

• If necessary, a neurological examination of the sensory, motor, and reflex systems should be performed.

What our office can do if you have Elbow Injuries

We have the experience to help you with their workers compensation injuries. We understand what you are going through and will meet your medical needs and follow the guidelines set by the New York State Workers Compensation Board.

We understand the importance of your workers compensation cases. Let us help you navigate through the maze of dealing with the workers compensation insurance company and your employer.

We understand that this is a stressful time for you and your family. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us so we will do everything we can to make it as easy on you as possible.