Elbow arthritis occurs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, previous trauma to the elbow and manual laborers. With arthritis the cartilage is destroyed and the bones began to rub on each other which causes pain and loss of motion.  As it continues patients have a decreasing range of motion which affects their ability to use the arm. Often patients report “locking” symptoms. 

Patients history including medical conditions, activities that aggravate elbow use, and any prior injuries is important. X-rays/CT are used to evaluate the extent of joint damage. 

Elbow Arthritis Treatment

Non-surgical treatment options include anti-inflammatories, limiting certain activities and corticosteroid injections. Surgical treatment is only recommended when conservative fails to control the patient’s symptoms.  Elbow Arthroscopy is an option in patients with early stages of arthritis. Using two or three small incisions, loose bodies or inflammatory joint tissue can be removed, and smooth out irregular cartilage surfaces, which can markedly improve symptoms. For more extensive arthritis a large incision (open procedure) is required. In older selective individuals an elbow arthroplasty may be recommended.