[Sport injuries and overuse damage of the elbow]

Sports injuries of the elbow joint can be acute or can arise due to chronic overuse. Such overstress syndromes are common in overhead, throwing and racket sports activities. The present article introduces diagnostic algorithms developed from knowledge gained through motion analysis, clinical examination and further imaging. The diagnosis of the overtaxing syndromes mainly depends on these findings. Basically most of the disorders in the elbow joint can be treated conservatively. If this is not the case or if the conservative treatment does not succeed, arthroscopic techniques, ligament reconstruction or nerve decompression are the major alternatives. The prognosis for regaining elbow function and returning to the previous level of performance is generally good. The resulting therapy recommendations are summarised on the basis of the current highest grades of evidence.