Elbow Arthritis Treatment
Most patients who are diagnosed with elbow osteoarthritis have a history of injury to the elbow, such as a fracture that involved the surface of the joint, or an elbow dislocation. The risk for elbow arthritis increases if:
- The patient needed surgery to repair the injury or reconstruct the joint
- There is loss of joint cartilage
- The joint surface cannot be repaired or reconstructed to its preinjury level
- Injury to the ligaments resulting in an unstable elbow can also lead to osteoarthritis, even if the elbow surface is not damaged, because the normal forces across the elbow are altered, causing the joint to wear out more rapidly.
In some patients, no single injury to the elbow occurs. Work or outside activities can lead to osteoarthritis of the elbow if the patient places more demands on the joint than it can bear. For example, professional baseball pitchers place unusually high demands on their throwing elbows, which can lead to failure of the stabilizing ligaments. When this occurs, surgical reconstruction is usually needed. High-shear forces placed across the joint can lead to cartilage breakdown over a period of years.
The best way to prevent elbow arthritis is to avoid injury to the joint.
When injury does occur, it is important to recognize it right away and get treatment. Individuals involved in heavy work or sports activities should maintain muscular strength around the elbow. Proper conditioning and technique should always be used.
Elbow Arthritis FAQ
What Causes Elbow Arthritis?
Elbow arthritis occurs when the **cartilage surface** of the elbow is damaged or worn down. This can result from:
- Previous **injuries** (such as dislocation or fractures)
- **Degeneration** due to aging
Unlike weight-bearing joints like the hip and knee, the elbow is **less commonly affected** due to its strong **stabilizing ligaments** and **well-matched joint surfaces**.
What Are the Symptoms of Elbow Arthritis?
- **Pain** in the elbow
- **Loss of range of motion**
- **Grating or locking sensation** due to cartilage damage
- **Joint swelling** (typically in later stages)
- **Numbness in the ring and small fingers** (due to ulnar nerve pressure)
Swelling or limited movement of the elbow can **compress the ulnar nerve**, leading to tingling or a "funny bone" sensation.
What Are the Treatment Options for Elbow Arthritis?
Treatment depends on the **stage of arthritis, patient history, and diagnostic imaging results**.
Nonsurgical Treatment
- **Medications** (oral pain relievers, anti-inflammatories)
- **Physical therapy**
- **Activity modifications**
- **Corticosteroid injections** (for temporary relief)
- **Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections)**
Surgical Treatment
When nonsurgical options no longer provide relief, surgery may be considered:
- **Arthroscopy** – Minimally invasive procedure to remove loose bodies and smooth out joint surfaces
- **Joint Replacement (Elbow Arthroplasty)** – Recommended when cartilage is completely worn out
- **Alternative Surgical Procedures** – For younger or highly active patients, motion-restoring procedures may be performed instead of total joint replacement
With **an experienced surgeon**, elbow joint replacement has **similar success rates** to hip and knee replacements, offering **significant pain relief and restored function**.