Author: Domonic Torri, DO, MS.
Senior Editor: Justin Mark Young, MD
Editor: Scott Rand, MD
Patient Presentation:
A left-handed 15-year-old competitive tennis player presented to the emergency department with acute 9/10 left arm pain following routine tennis activities.
History:
He reported a history of multiple weeks of left upper arm pain. Pain was previously located in the mid upper arm with no reported shoulder pain or previous injury. He had tried physical therapy, NSAIDs, and cryotherapy with only minimal relief. During a routine back hand, he experienced immediate 9/10 pain and was taken to the emergency department for further evaluation.
Physical Exam:
Physical exam showed ecchymosis and soft tissue swelling present along the upper arm. No obvious deformity. Decreased range of motion with all movements including at the elbow and forearm due to pain. Tenderness over the mid upper arm. Neurovascularly intact distally with normal sensation and motor function. Normal capillary refill.
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