Differential Diagnosis for Medial Elbow Pain, Inflammation, and Bruising Post Hyperextension of Elbow Joint

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Medial epicondylitis (Golfer's elbow): This condition is characterized by pain and inflammation on the medial (inner) aspect of the elbow, often resulting from overuse or strain of the forearm muscles and tendons. Hyperextension of the elbow can exacerbate or trigger this condition, making it a likely diagnosis given the patient's symptoms and recent injury.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sprain: The UCL is located on the medial side of the elbow and can be injured during hyperextension, leading to pain, inflammation, and sometimes bruising in the area.
  • Medial epicondyle fracture: A fracture of the medial epicondyle, although less common, could result from a severe hyperextension injury, especially if there was a direct blow to the elbow or a sudden, forceful contraction of the flexor muscles.
  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae around the elbow, such as the olecranon bursa or the medial epicondylar bursa, could cause pain, swelling, and bruising, especially if the bursae are irritated or infected following the injury.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Compartment syndrome: Although rare, compartment syndrome is a serious condition that can occur after an elbow injury, characterized by increased pressure within the muscle compartments, leading to pain, pallor, poikilothermia, paresthesia, and pulselessness. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term damage.
  • Vascular injury: Damage to the brachial artery or its branches could occur with severe elbow trauma, leading to decreased blood flow to the forearm and hand, which is a medical emergency.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Tumor: A bone or soft tissue tumor in the medial elbow region could cause pain, swelling, and bruising, although this would be an uncommon presentation and typically not associated with a recent history of hyperextension.
  • Infection: Osteomyelitis (bone infection) or septic arthritis (joint infection) could present with pain, swelling, and redness but would typically be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and would be unusual as a direct result of hyperextension without a penetrating injury or pre-existing condition.