Santa Barbara, CA Elbow Specialist & Elbow Surgeon
The elbow is composed of a both a hinge and pivot joint to allow for various motion during daily tasks and sports. The hinge portion of the joint is responsible for flexion and extension, while the pivot component provides forearm rotation known as supination and pronation. The bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles of the elbow joint can be injured from a trauma, overuse or natural aging. No matter the cause of injury, Dr. Jervis Yau, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Ventura, California elbow specialist and board certified elbow surgeon, is available to diagnose the injury and provide treatment aimed at returning patients to an active, healthy lifestyle.
An Overview on Elbow Anatomy
The elbow joint consists of the humerus (upper arm bone) which connects to the radius and ulna (forearm bones). At the upper portion of the ulna is the olecranon, the bony point of the elbow that can be felt beneath the skin’s surface.
Collateral ligaments located on the inner and outer sides of the elbow are responsible for holding the joint together and preventing dislocation. The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is one of the most commonly injured ligaments. The UCL runs along the inner side of the elbow and is often injured in throwing athletes.
Numerous muscles, tendons and nerves also compose the elbow joint and help provide strength and stability during arm movements.
Elbow injuries and degenerative conditions are quite common in the active population since the joint is placed under extreme stress during many activities.
Common Elbow Injuries Treated by an Elbow Specialist
Common elbow injuries are caused by overuse. As an elbow specialist, Dr. Yau commonly visits with patients who are suffering from ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries, ulnar nerve entrapment, distal biceps rupture, tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. All of these conditions cause patients to experience bothersome symptoms such as pain, weakness, instability and loss of range of motion.
Board Certified Elbow Surgeon Specializing in Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
Dr. Yau, board certified elbow surgeon, typically utilizes elbow arthroscopy techniques when surgery is necessary to treat the damaged elbow joint. Minimally invasive surgical procedures are effective at treating damaged ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves and bones, all while providing patients with a quicker recovery time and less pain compared to traditional open surgery procedures.
Dr. Jervis Yau, elbow specialist and board certified elbow surgeon, is available to treat patients in the Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Ventura, California area affected by an elbow injury or degenerative condition.