INTRODUCTION​

• Elbow arthritis is characterized by degenerative changes to the elbow joint, including cartilage wear and tear, inflammation, and bone spurs

• Usually affects the dominant arm

• Up to 50% of elbow arthritis patients complain of ulnar nerve numbness in small and ring fingers

• 80% of elbow arthritis cases occur in men

CAUSES

Most common risk factors include:

• Previous Injury or trauma (post-traumatic arthritis)

• Occupation (manual laborers)

• Rheumatoid arthritis 

• Osteoarthritis

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Pain and tenderness around the elbow

• Elbow stiffness and loss of elbow straightening or bending

• Elbow swelling

• TREATMENT​​

• Patients with mild to moderate elbow arthritis should try a course of conservative management 

• First line treatment consists of rest, ice, anti-inflammatories

• Avoid heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling

• Corticosteroid injections to decrease inflammation and swelling

• Resting splint

• Physical therapy or stretching exercises to decrease stiffness

• Patients with mild to moderate arthritis that fail conservative management may be candidates for elbow arthroscopy, debridement, and capsular release

• Patients with moderate to severe elbow arthritis may be candidates for a total elbow arthroplasty

PREVENTION​

• Avoid strenuous manual labor

• Keep inflammatory arthritis under control