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Elbow Arthritis
Elbow Arthritis
Arthritis is defined as the loss of articular (joint lining) cartilage on both sides of the joint. This results in what has been described by many as "bone-on-bone" contact, where the protective padding of cartilage has been lost. This is clearly evident on routine X-rays of the elbow as the condition becomes advanced. Since the body can not regrow new cartilage on its own, it will produce new areas of bone to attempt to protect itself. This results in osteophytes (bone spurs) around the edges of the joint. These change the normal architecture of the joint as well as the mechanics, and the bone-on-bone contact is painful.
Elbow arthritis (similar to other areas of arthritis) will present with pain and a limitation in motion as the primary complaints. There is often a clicking or snapping sensation that is felt due to the roughened surfaces moving against one another. There will also be occasional or sometimes persistent swelling. Often the pain is worse in the morning, may improve slightly during the day, but then worsen again by the end of the day. The pain can be dull and achy, but there is often areas of sharp pain. As the process worsens, the pain tends to increase and the motion gradually becomes less and less.
The diagnosis is made by routine physical examination as well as X-rays.
Treatments for elbow arthritis include more conservative methods for early disease, such as physical therapy, injections of either corticosteroid (cortisone shots) or viscosupplementation fluids (designed to provide better lubrication), or perhaps even elbow arthroscopy (see the elbow arthroscopy section). These treatments are designed to relieve symptoms and to slow the process of advancing arthritis. When the process becomes advanced and severe arthritis is present, then the options are for an arthrodesis (fusion of the elbow joint) or an arthroplasty (joint replacement procedure).
Fusion of the joint was the traditional method of treating any form of arthritis since it is typically the motion of the involved joint that cause the pain. The notion is that if you remove the motion (by creating a fusion), then you would remove the pain. For the most part, this is true. However, with the advent of joint replacement surgery, this has provided another option. Fusion still remains the standard for patients that still intend to perform manual labor activity as they can usually function rather well with a fusion in a functional position. This is because the arm has many areas of motion and with the elbow fused, the required motion can often be gained from other areas such as the shoulder and wrist. In addition, one of the current primary limitations from a joint replacement procedure is that one typically must avoid manual labor or heavy lifting as this will increase the risk of failure of the implant. For patients that are less active and simply desiring to achieve pain relief, the joint replacement procedure is a good option.
Clinical Trials for Elbow Arthritis
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.
Elbow Arthritis
Elbow arthritis is an inflammation of the joint which is characterized by stiffness, pain, or swelling.
Elbow Arthritis
arthritis-of-the-elbow