Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

elbow, arthritis of the
Inflammation of the
elbow joint. Arthritis of the elbow can be due to
many systemic forms of arthritis, including rheuma-
toid arthritis, gouty arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Elbow arthritis is associated with signs of warmth,
swelling, pain, tenderness, and decreased range of
motion.
elbow, golfer’s
Medial epicondylitis caused by
injured tendons from the muscles that attach to the
bony prominence in the inner portion of the elbow
called the medial epicondyle.
elbow, tennis
Lateral epicondylitis caused by
injured tendons from the muscles that attach to the
outer bone of the elbow (called the lateral epi-
condyle), which is a part of the humerus bone.
elbow, tip of the
The bony tip of the elbow,
which is formed by the near end of the ulna, one of
the two long bones in the forearm (the other is the
radius). See also 
olecranon.
elbow bursitis
A common form of bursitis that is
also known as olecranon bursitis. At the tip of the
elbow (olecranon area) is the olecranon bursa, a
fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to
reduce friction during motion. Because of its loca-
tion, the olecranon bursa is subject to trauma, rang-
ing from simple repetitive weight-bearing while
leaning to banging in a fall. Such trauma can cause
elbow bursitis in the area overlying the point of the
elbow. If elbow bursitis is not caused by infection,
treatment includes rest and the use of ice and med-
ications for inflammation and pain. Infectious bur-
sitis is treated with antibiotics, aspiration, and
surgery.
elbow joint
See 
elbow.
elder abuse
The physical, sexual, or emotional
abuse of an elderly person, usually one who is dis-
abled or frail. Like child abuse, elder abuse is a
crime that all health and social services profession-
als are mandated to report.
elective mutism
Complete lack of speech,
believed to be chosen on the part of the patient.
True elective mutism may be a reaction to a trau-
matic event, the aftermath of damage to or pain in
the mouth or throat, or a symptom of extreme shy-
ness. In other cases, the lack of speech is eventually
found not to be chosen, but rather a symptom of
damage or deformity of the speech apparatus or of
autism. See also 
selective mutism.
electric shock
An extreme stimulation of the
nerves, muscles, and other parts of the body that is
caused by contact with electrical current. Electric
shock can cause burning at the site of entry of the
electricity, unconsciousness, and death. If a person
may be in contact with high voltage, no one else
should touch the person directly or go near the
area. Using a dry, nonconductive object such as a
wooden stick, the switch should be switched off, to
break the contact between the electrical source and
the patient. Immediate emergency medical help is
required. While waiting for emergency treatment,
the victim must be kept warm and CPR may be nec-
essary.