Sports-related elbow injuries

Elbow injuries are common in primary care, particularly among athletes and individuals engaging in repetitive upper limb activities. The injuries sustained range from overuse conditions, such as tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), to traumatic injuries, including elbow dislocations and radial head fractures. Although many elbow injuries are self-limiting, some presentations require prompt intervention to prevent chronic pain, functional impairment or long-term disability. A structured assessment approach with appropriate imaging is essential to differentiate between minor injuries and those requiring urgent referral. This article provides an overview of common elbow injuries in sports and aims to equip clinicians with a practical framework for management in primary care. In primary carem, it is unusual to be able to get urgent X-rays with reports and suspected or detected fractures will need urgent referral to assess the injuries and treatments required.