Question
Hi,

I had a work injury years ago when my forearm flexed at 90 degree was suddenly over pronated with a strong force. I had pain in my forearm and elbow for a few weeks and everything healed up fine except for the sound of clicking and grinding that I have now when pronating forearm in a flexed position. The distinctive clicking happens only when I press the middle bottom of my forearm onto the top of a table and pronate it while sitting and fully flexing my forearm (30 degree angle between the upper arm and forearm). When I palpate my elbow I feel some movement under my fingers on the lateral (outer) side of my elbow (ulna region) at the time when the clicking sound occurs.
The MRI images I took twice over period of three years didn't show any abnormalities in elbow structures.
What is the cause of my problem?

Thanks,
Alex

Answer
Alex,

If the MRI did not show signs of fracture, cartilage fragments or other "osteochondral defects", or signs of rupture or avulsion, then you most likely have a mechanical/dyfunction problem.    Find a provider of Graston Technique (www.grastontechnique.com) and see if some manual therapy will solve the problem.   You'll likely know in a few treatment sessions if it's working.  Some people get joint clicking after an injury, with the clicking often being painless, and there is nothing that can be done about it.  It's just a result of injury, and likely has to do with altered mechanics.  

'Regards,

Dr. G