Our Summary

This research paper looks into elbow osteoarthritis, a challenging medical problem mainly characterized by the formation of bony projections (osteophytes). It may seem that simply removing these projections, freeing up the joint capsule, and removing any loose fragments should be enough to restore normal elbow movement. However, this doesn’t always work. Both open and minimally invasive surgical treatments can yield similar results, but patients may still experience some relapse or loss of movement. To improve the chances of a successful treatment, the authors suggest considering the release of a specific ligament in the elbow and repositioning of a particular nerve.

FAQs

  1. What is the primary characteristic of elbow osteoarthritis?
  2. What are the usual treatments for elbow osteoarthritis and how effective are they?
  3. What additional procedures could be considered to improve outcomes of elbow osteoarthritis surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about elbow surgery is to follow the prescribed rehabilitation program diligently. This may include physical therapy exercises to improve range of motion and strength in the elbow joint. Consistent rehabilitation can help optimize the outcome of the surgery and minimize the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for elbow surgery include those with severe elbow osteoarthritis that is causing significant pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Other conditions that may warrant elbow surgery include:

  • Elbow fractures that have not healed properly
  • Ligament tears or instability in the elbow joint
  • Elbow dislocations
  • Tendon injuries or tears in the elbow
  • Chronic elbow pain that has not responded to conservative treatment

Ultimately, the decision to recommend elbow surgery will depend on the specific condition of the patient and their individual symptoms and goals for treatment. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider, including imaging studies and possibly a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon, will help determine if surgery is the best course of action.

Timeline

Before elbow surgery:

  1. Patient will meet with their orthopedic surgeon to discuss treatment options and determine if surgery is necessary.
  2. Pre-operative tests and evaluations will be conducted to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.
  3. Patient will receive instructions on how to prepare for surgery, such as fasting before the procedure and stopping certain medications.
  4. On the day of surgery, the patient will arrive at the hospital or surgical center and undergo the procedure under anesthesia.

After elbow surgery:

  1. Patient will wake up from surgery in the recovery room and will be monitored by medical staff.
  2. Pain management will be provided to help with post-operative discomfort.
  3. Physical therapy will begin soon after surgery to help regain range of motion and strength in the elbow.
  4. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled with the surgeon to monitor healing and progress.
  5. It may take several weeks to months for the patient to fully recover and regain full function of the elbow.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of elbow surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  4. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  5. What are the expected outcomes and success rates for this type of surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  7. How long will I need to take off work or limit activities following the surgery?
  8. Will I need any assistive devices or modifications to my daily routine after the surgery?
  9. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific exercises or precautions I should take to help with the healing process and prevent complications?

Reference

Authors: Galatz LM. Journal: Arthroscopy. 2019 Apr;35(4):1090-1091. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2019.02.004. PMID: 30954102