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Osteoarthritis of The Elbow and Elbow Joint Replacement

Osteoarthritis Of The Elbow

Pain reported in the elbow along with associated loss of motion in both bending and straightening may be a sign of osteoarthritis of the elbow. This diagnosis is almost always seen in males and much more prevalent in men with a history of heavy lifting and use of the arm such as throwers and weightlifters. This condition is most often reported in the age range of 30 yrs and greater. Complaints of sharp pain at the available end ranges of motion, especially when straightening the arm, are often reported. As osteoarthritis of the elbow progresses, more pain is noted in the mid ranges of the motion.

Diagnostic Findings Of Osteoarthritis Of The Elbow

Upon X-ray exam there will usually be findings of extra bone growth. This additional growth limits the joints mobility and there usually is associated loose bodies causing pain and limited motion.

Osteoarthritis Of The Elbow Treatment Options
Conservative Approach

In the event of findings of osteoarthritis of the elbow, the major emphasis should be on activity limitation or modification. This condition is often caused or linked to stressful, repetitive overuse of the arm and elbow. Modification of such activities will limit the pain and inflammatory response of the disease.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be helpful in lending temporary relief from the pain. Other modalities, such as cold or heat therapies, gentle range of motion and stretching can aid the relief of symptoms.

Splinting of the elbow allowing movement during the day or keeping it still at night, may protect the elbow from stress.

Modifications of devices such as handle extensions on various tools can be used to ease stress on the joint and maintain ability to perform daily activities.

Elbow Arthritis Surgery

Elbow arthritis surgery for osteoarthritis of the elbow primarily involves removal or debridement of the excessive bone growth either by open or arthroscopic approach. Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery is the current treatment of choice.

Patients undergoing elbow arthritis surgery may expect improvement as increased function and decreased pain in approximately 90 % of the cases.

Types Of Arthritis Commonly Occurring In The Elbow
— Post-Traumatic Arthritis
— Osteoarthritis Evolving After Injury

Significant injury in and around a joint may result in arthritic changes over time. This condition is known as Post-traumatic arthritis. Most commonly this can occur as a result of a fracture in the joint or one that causes disruption of the normal joint movement. Another complication of elbow fracture is residual stiffness. This results from the trauma and the need to immobilize the area in an effort to promote proper bony and soft tissue healing.
 

Inflammatory (Rheumatoid) Arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis, a form of which is call rheumatoid, is a disease of the soft tissues and serious damage and deformity to the joint surfaces resulting in painful loss of movement in the joint. Surgical elbow replacement can be extremely helpful in relieving symptoms and returning to a more normal lifestyle.

For more information on how the elbow arthritis surgery specialists at Cary Orthopaedics can help you, contact us today at 919-467-4992 for an appointment!

Cary Orthopaedics serves patients from Raleigh, Garner, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Clayton, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro, NC