What is a Radial Collateral Ligament (RCL) Injury? Radial Collateral Ligament (RCL) injury involves damage to the ligament on the outer (lateral) side of the elbow that stabilizes the joint against varus stress. It often results from trauma, overuse, or repetitive strain—common in athletes like tennis players. Symptoms typically include lateral elbow pain, instability, and…
What is a Scapholunate Ligament Injury? A scapholunate ligament injury involves damage to the ligament connecting the scaphoid and lunate bones in the wrist. This ligament plays a key role in stabilizing the carpal bones and maintaining proper wrist mechanics. Injury typically results from a fall on an outstretched hand or repetitive strain, leading to…
Posterior Tibial Tendonitis: What is it? Posterior tibial tendonitis is inflammation of the posterior tibial tendon, which supports your foot’s arch and allows it to bend. It’s also known as your posterior tibialis tendon. Tendons are thick, rope-like connective structures that link muscles and bones. The posterior tibial tendon connects one of your lower leg…
Introduction: The ligamentum flavum is a strong, elastic ligament that connects the laminae of adjacent vertebrae, playing a crucial role in maintaining spinal stability and posture. Injury to this ligament, often due to trauma, repetitive strain, or degenerative changes, can lead to thickening or hypertrophy, potentially compressing nearby nerves or the spinal cord. This may…
What is an Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL) Injury? The Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL) runs along the front of the spine, providing stability and preventing excessive extension (backward bending). Injury to the ALL often occurs due to hyperextension trauma, such as whiplash from car accidents or sports injuries. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, and limited spinal…
Introduction The Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL) is a key ligament in the ankle, connecting the fibula to the talus. It is the most commonly injured ligament in ankle sprains, especially with inversion injuries. The ATFL helps stabilize the ankle by preventing excessive forward displacement of the talus. The anterior talofibular ligament, situated on the lateral…
A Paraneoplastic Syndrome: What is it? Paraneoplastic syndromes are rare disorders triggered by an abnormal immune response to cancer. They occur when tumors produce hormones, cytokines, or antibodies that affect distant organs, leading to neurological, endocrine, dermatologic, or rheumatologic symptoms. These syndromes can precede cancer diagnosis and often require treating both the underlying malignancy and…
Introduction Light to dark brown pigmented birthmarks known as café-au-lait spots are frequently seen on a newborn’s skin. Over time, the number and size of spots may vary. Over six café-au-lait spots may indicate neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) or another underlying genetic disorder. Flat, hyperpigmented birthmarks are known as café au lait spots or café…
Introduction Effort thrombosis, also known as Paget-Schroetter Syndrome, is a form of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that affects the upper extremity, typically occurring in athletes or individuals engaged in repetitive overhead activities. It results from compression and injury to the subclavian vein, leading to clot formation. Symptoms include swelling, pain, discoloration, and a feeling of…
What is a Snapping Elbow Syndrome? Snapping elbow syndrome, also known as snapping tricep syndrome, is an uncommon disorder marked by a snapping sensation and symptoms associated with ulnar nerve irritation or subluxation at the cubital tunnel, as well as pain and inflammation caused by a dislocating tricep segment. It is a dynamic phenomenon during…
