Differential Diagnosis for Injury with Pop in Antecubital and Subsequent Grip Weakness
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Biceps tendon rupture: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the location of the injury (antecubital fossa) and the symptom of grip weakness. A "pop" is a common description of the sound heard when the biceps tendon ruptures.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Brachialis muscle strain: The brachialis muscle is located in the upper arm and can cause grip weakness if injured. A strain in this muscle could potentially cause a popping sound.
- Elbow dislocation or subluxation: An injury to the elbow joint can cause a popping sound and subsequent grip weakness due to instability or nerve damage.
- Radial head fracture: A fracture of the radial head can cause pain, weakness, and a popping sound in the elbow, especially with rotation or flexion.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses:
- Neurovascular injury (e.g., brachial artery injury or median nerve injury): These injuries can have severe consequences, including limb ischemia or permanent nerve damage, if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- Compartment syndrome: This is a medical emergency that can occur after an injury, causing increased pressure within the muscle compartments, leading to nerve and muscle damage.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Triceps tendon rupture: Although less common than biceps tendon ruptures, triceps tendon ruptures can also cause a popping sound and weakness in the arm.
- Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum: This is a rare condition where a piece of cartilage and bone in the elbow joint becomes damaged, potentially causing a popping sound and weakness.