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Osteoarthritis of the Elbow
Rebuilding your Joint Strength
Osteoarthritis of the elbow is a condition that degrades the cartilage lining of the joint, causing damage that is painful and debilitating.
As with wrist and hands, there are three common types of arthritis that affect the elbow: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis.
Osteoarthritis of the elbow occurs when the cartilage surface of the elbow is worn out or is damaged.
What symptoms does Osteoarthritis of the elbow cause?
All types of arthritis have symptoms of pain, swelling , stiffness and or decreased range of motion. The inflammation associated with arthritis often leaves the joint warm to the touch. Other symptoms include:
A grating feeling, due to cartilage damage
Locking of the elbow joint, due to loose cartilage or bone fragments
Swelling at the elbow as the disease progresses
Causes of Osteoarthritis of the elbow
Previous injury, such as elbow fracture or dislocation can cause cartilage damage, or it can change the mechanics of how the elbow works, causing it to wear out.
It is not known for sure what causes osteoarthritis of the elbow. The inflammation and wearing down of the cartilage between the bones of the joint from repetitive use can contribute.
Rheumatoid arthritis may be associated with genetic factors. Post-traumatic arthritis is caused by damage to the cartilage in the elbow from an accident or injury.
In some patients, no single injury to the elbow occurs. Work or outside activities can lead to osteoarthritis of the elbow if the patient places more demands on the joint than it can bear.
Who is more likely to get Osteoarthritis of the elbow?
Elbow arthritis can affect people of all ages, yet each type of arthritis has different risk groups.
Osteoarthritis is more common in active people or those who consistently use repetitive actions at work or at home. Rheumatoid arthritis is found most commonly in women and can run in families. Post-traumatic arthritis can occur in anyone after an injury.
The most common risk factors for arthritis are:
- Gender — more prominent in men with osteoarthritis and women with rheumatoid disease
- Active lifestyle
- Genetics
- Advanced age
- Injury to the joint
- Physically demanding career
Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis of the elbow
The diagnosis of arthritis of the elbow begins with a medical history of the problem. Your doctor may ask questions about your pain, how it affects your daily activities, and any past injuries to your elbow or work that caused repetitive stress to the elbow joint.
A physical examination to determine what specific movement causes pain and x-rays that show arthritic changes. Advanced imaging such as an MRI or CT scan may be required. In some cases, rheumatoid arthritis can be diagnosed with blood or joint fluid tests that check for inflammation indicators.
Outstanding Care
What can be done to get rid of your pain?
Treatment for elbow arthritis is meant to restore function, reduce pain and prevent further damage. In almost all cases, doctors try nonsurgical treatments first. Surgery is usually not considered until it has become impossible to control your symptoms.
Non – surgical treatment options include:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Cortisone and Lubrication injections
Surgical Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the elbow
Surgical procedures that are used to treat elbow arthritis after nonsurgical options have failed may include:
Arthroscopic debridement: arthroscopy to smooth the joint surface and remove loose bodies or bone spurs
Interposition arthroplasty: placing a tendon or fascia between the ends of the bones in the joint
Joint replacement: for patients with severe elbow osteoarthritis who need an improved range of motion more than improved strength
Elbow fusion: for patients who need pain relief and are willing to sacrifice range of motion