Differential Diagnosis for Right Elbow Joint Effusion
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Sprain: The most common cause of elbow joint effusion is a sprain, which occurs when the ligaments surrounding the elbow joint are stretched or torn. This can happen due to a sudden twisting motion or a fall onto an outstretched hand.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Fracture: A fracture, especially of the radial head or olecranon, can cause elbow joint effusion due to bleeding into the joint space.
- Ligamentous injury: Injuries to the medial or lateral collateral ligaments can lead to joint effusion.
- Tendinitis or bursitis: Inflammation of the tendons or bursae around the elbow joint can cause effusion.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic arthritis: Although less common, septic arthritis is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. It can cause joint effusion, and delaying treatment can lead to severe consequences.
- Hemarthrosis due to bleeding disorder: In patients with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, even minor trauma can cause significant bleeding into the joint, leading to effusion.
- Osteonecrosis: Avascular necrosis of the bone around the elbow joint can cause joint effusion and requires early diagnosis to prevent further damage.
Rare Diagnoses
- Synovial chondromatosis: A rare condition characterized by the growth of cartilage in the synovial membrane, which can cause joint effusion.
- Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS): A rare condition that causes inflammation and overgrowth of the synovial membrane, leading to joint effusion.
- Intra-articular tumors: Rarely, tumors such as synovial sarcoma can cause joint effusion.