Elbow Arthritis

Who gets elbow arthritis?

Arthritis of the elbow can be caused by:

Osteoarthritis (non-inflammatory, degenerative condition). Primary OA is more common in males starting in the 4th Primary OA is relatively uncommon. It will usually occur in those with OA elsewhere (knees, hips, shoulder, neck).

Post Traumatic Arthritis (after fracture or ligament injury). This is the most common cause of elbow arthritis now. Significant elbow trauma can lead to cartilage injury. In adults, this cartilage injury can leave the smooth, gliding surfaces of the joint irregular propagating degenerative

Inflammatory Arthritis (primarily rheumatoid). Inflammatory arthritis is a condition that is immune modulated. The most common cause of inflammatory arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis. Other inflammatory conditions are Psoriatic Arthritis, Gout, and Systemic Lupus This means the body sees the joint lining or synovium as ‘foreign’ and attacks it. This can cause progressive joint destruction. There has been a significant decrease in the amount of joint destruction due to the use of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) by rheumatologists.

What are symptoms of arthritis of the elbow?

The first symptom is usually a loss of motion, especially in extension. Patients report that they can’t “get their elbow out”. Pain at the ‘end ranges of motion’ can also occur. Swelling, instability, and mechanical symptoms can also occur as the condition progresses. Numbness in the pinky and weakness in the hand can occur from compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow.

Are there any non-operative treatments for elbow arthritis?

General arthritis care, NSAIDS, glucosamine, and elbow sleeves can help the pain. They will not halt the progression of arthritis. Steroid injections can also help with the pain.

What are the surgical treatments for arthritis of the elbow?

Treatment is aimed at increasing motion and decreasing symptoms.

  1. Arthroscopic or Open capsule release and/or removal of loose bodies and heterotopic bone
  2. Total elbow replacement

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