Common wrist and elbow injuries in primary care

The wrist and elbow, an intricate arrangement of bones, tendons, and ligaments, frequently are the source of reported problems in the primary care setting. Understanding the functional anatomy and acquiring adeptness for examination are the key to proper diagnosis of injuries and conditions that plague the wrist and elbow. A brief overview of the anatomy and physiology of the wrist and elbow joints is given. Diagnosis and management of common injuries and reported problems faced by practitioners are discussed. The provider is offered guidance on when to refer for specialty evaluation.