# Non-traumatic Medial-Sided Elbow Pain: A Comprehensive Review of Etiologies, Diagnostic Strategies, and Treatment Approaches

## TL;DR

This review explores causes, diagnosis, and treatments for non-traumatic medial elbow pain, highlighting the challenges in distinguishing similar conditions.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive synthesis of current evidence on non-traumatic medial elbow pain, focusing on diagnostic and treatment strategies.

## Key findings

- Non-traumatic medial elbow pain has overlapping clinical presentations, making diagnosis difficult.
- Imaging modalities like ultrasound and MRI are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Conservative treatments are typically effective, though surgery may be needed for ulnar nerve involvement.

## Abstract

Medial elbow pain is a rare and often underrecognized condition. In non-traumatic cases, such as medial epicondylitis (ME), ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury, cubital tunnel syndrome, snapping medial triceps, and posteromedial impingement, the clinical presentations are often similar, making diagnosis challenging. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence regarding the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for non-traumatic medial elbow pain. Relevant studies were evaluated to examine clinical assessments, imaging modalities, conservative management protocols, and surgical interventions associated with these conditions. Diagnosis is primarily guided by the appropriate history-taking, physical examination, or provocative test, and the application of imaging modalities, such as ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to achieve an accurate diagnosis. Although most non-traumatic medial elbow pain conditions can be managed with conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be considered in cases involving ulnar nerve involvement or when conservative therapy fails.