Our Summary

This research paper talks about elbow arthritis, a condition that is not very common, but can cause considerable pain, stiffness, or a feeling of instability. The most common causes of this condition are rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis caused by past injuries, and primary osteoarthritis.

The initial treatment for elbow arthritis does not involve surgery and includes changing certain activities to lessen strain on the elbow, using anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy for the hand, and using corticosteroids. However, if these methods do not bring relief, surgery could be considered.

What kind of surgical treatment is used depends on the root cause of the arthritis, the main symptoms the patient has, the patient’s age, and the demands of their lifestyle. Recent developments in technology, particularly techniques for arthroscopic surgery, have given surgeons more options for treating this condition.

The main aims of any treatment for elbow arthritis are to decrease pain and restore the elbow’s range of movement. This article provides a comprehensive review of the soft tissue and bone structure of the elbow, discusses the causes of elbow arthritis, goes over how to diagnose and evaluate the condition, and explores the various treatment options available.

FAQs

  1. What are the common causes of elbow arthritis?
  2. What are the treatment options for elbow arthritis if nonsurgical management has failed?
  3. What are the goals of treatment for elbow arthritis?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about elbow surgery is to follow the post-operative rehabilitation plan carefully. This may include physical therapy exercises to help regain strength and range of motion in the elbow. It is important to be patient and consistent with the rehabilitation process to achieve the best possible outcome after surgery. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and proper nutrition can help support overall healing and recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for elbow surgery include those with:

  1. Severe pain and/or stiffness in the elbow joint that does not improve with nonsurgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections.
  2. Significant functional limitations in activities of daily living or work-related tasks due to elbow arthritis.
  3. Progressive joint damage and deformity caused by conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, or primary osteoarthritis.
  4. Failed previous surgical interventions, such as arthroscopic debridement or synovectomy, for elbow arthritis.
  5. Younger, active patients who desire to maintain or improve their range of motion and function in the elbow joint.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo elbow surgery is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the patient’s overall health, goals for treatment, and potential risks and benefits of surgery.

Timeline

Before elbow surgery:

  1. Patient experiences pain, stiffness, or instability in the elbow joint.
  2. Patient may undergo nonsurgical treatments such as activity modification, anti-inflammatories, hand therapy, and corticosteroids.
  3. If nonsurgical treatments fail, patient may be considered for surgery.
  4. Patient consults with a surgeon to discuss treatment options and potential risks.

After elbow surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which may include arthrodesis, interposition arthroplasty, osteocapsular debridement, synovectomy, or total elbow arthroplasty.
  2. Patient undergoes post-operative rehabilitation, which may include physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion.
  3. Patient may experience post-operative pain and swelling, which can be managed with pain medications and ice.
  4. Patient follows up with the surgeon for post-operative appointments to monitor healing and progress.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may experience improved function and decreased pain in the elbow joint.

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 the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options to surgery that I should consider?
  5. How many of these surgeries have you performed and what is your success rate?
  6. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions or restrictions?
  7. What can I expect in terms of pain management after the surgery?
  8. How long will it take for me to regain full function and range of motion in my elbow?
  9. Are there any long-term considerations or potential complications I should be aware of?
  10. What is the overall prognosis for my condition after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Del Core MA, Koehler D. Journal: J Hand Surg Am. 2023 Jun;48(6):603-611. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.12.014. Epub 2023 Feb 8. PMID: 36759236