Topics > Elbow > Arthritis of the Elbow
Arthritis of the Elbow
Arthritis of the elbow is an inflammatory disease of the joint. It
most commonly results from rheumatoid arthritis, although osteoarthritis
(the “wear-and-tear” arthritis
that often affects older individuals) and injury are also important causes.
Affected individuals may experience the following:
- Pain, particularly
with use
- Swelling or stiffness
- Loss of range of motion
Rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects the joint
lining, while osteoarthritis affects the cartilage that cushions the
bones.
To test for arthritis, your physician may assess your range of
motion. He or she will also inspect for tenderness and swelling and check
for pain upon movement of your arm. Xrays will also aid in the diagnosis,
showing any narrowing of the joint, changes in the bones, or loose bone
in the joint.
Initial treatment is usually based
on changing your activities to stress the joint less, taking anti-inflammatory
drugs, and/or engaging in physical therapy. If these approaches do not
result in improvement, surgery may be helpful. The best surgical approach
depends
on your individual situation, but some include:
- Arthroscopy: this allows
the surgeon to look inside the joint and “clean
it out,” removing bone fragments or diseased tissue.
- Synovectomy:
diseased synovium, or joint lining, is removed.
- Osteotomy: In osteoarthritis,
abnormally thickened bone may be removed to allow improved joint function.
- Arthroplasty:
this procedure involves total joint replacement and is used for
advanced disease.
