Post on 08-Jun-2018
transcript
Patient Information Handout
ELBOW ARTHRITIS AND STIFFNESS WHAT IS ELBOW ARTHRITIS AND STIFFNESS? Elbow arthritis without injury is rare, although it does occur. Often times there has been a fracture in the distant past that has caused the damage to the joint surface. This results in loose bodies, stiffness, and arthritis (Figure 1).
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THE ELBOW ARTHRITIS? Elbow arthritis causes stiffness, pain, and swelling. In particular, the loss of ability to fully extend the elbow out and bend the elbow making it difficult to do even simple activities such as combing one’s hair.
ANATOMY OF ELBOW ARTHRITIS: The elbow is a unique joint that allows both flexion and extension as the humerus articulates with the
radius and ulna (Figures 2, 3, and 4). WHO HAS ELBOW ARTHRISTIS AND STIFFNESS? As described above, this typically happens in individuals, who have had a history of trauma such as a dislocation or fracture. This could be recent or many years preceding the onset of symptoms.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Patient Information Handout
HOW DO WE DIAGNOSE ELBOW ARTHRITIS AND STIFFNESS? An X-‐ray is the most helpful way to diagnose elbow arthritis, along with a clinical examination noticing significant stiffness and grinding called crepitus. Refer back to Figure 1. HOW DO WE TREAT ELBOW ARTHRITIS AND STIFFNESS? 1. In mild cases of arthritis and stiffness: Patients still have enough function to do their activities of daily living. 2. For patients, who have locking and grinding and x-‐rays showing loose bodies: Surgery to remove these either arthroscopically or through small open incisions can be helpful in relieving most of the trouble and symptoms. Figure 5 A and B and Figure 6, these loose bodies and joint can block motion and cause locking.
PATIENTS WITH SEVERE STIFFNESS AND/OR PAIN: If patients have mainly stiffness, but the joint is well maintained, an open surgery to excise the thickened scar tissue can help to regain motion, particularly regaining ability to extend the elbow.
SEVERE ARTHRITIS WITH DESTRUCTION OF THE ELBOW JOINT: Elbow joint replacement can be very helpful in these patients. The joint replacements cannot withstand severe repetitive loads and therefore are not indicated in young active patients. These can provide substantial improvement in joint motion and provide excellent relief of pain (Figure 7).
_____________________ Thomas E. Trumble, M.D. Figures courtesy of Principles of Hand Surgery and Therapy edited by Dr. Trumble
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7