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Elbow Arthritis

Stephanie Ann Carey, MPH, MD and Jayson R Loeffert, DO Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Results from destruction of articular surface between radiocapitellar and ulnotrochlear joints

  • Characterized by pain and loss of motion, with swelling and instability in later stages

EPIDEMIOLOGY

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Pain and stiffness are primary presenting complaints.

    • Assess timing and location of pain.

    • Assess limitations of range of motion (flexion, extension, and rotation).

    • Assess patient’s funct...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Initial treatment depends on underlying etiology, degree of pain, and functional limitation.

    • Goals of treatment are to improve function and strength.

  • Nonsurgical treatment pref...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Early postoperative mobilization and physical therapy are vital to successful outcome. 

Patient Monitoring

  • Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should undergo x-rays ...

REFERENCES

1
Lee  J, Steinmann  SP. Elbow arthritis in the athlete. Oper Tech Sports Med.  2017;25(4):288–294. [View Abstract on OvidMedline]
2
Ravalli S,...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Karelson M, Launonen AP, Jokihaara J, et al. Pain, function, and patient satisfaction after arthroscopic treatment of elbow in a retrospective series with minimum of 5-ye...

CODES

ICD10

  • M13.829 Other specified arthritis, unspecified elbow

  • M19.029 Primary osteoarthritis, unspecified elbow

  • M06.829 Other specified rheumatoid arthritis, unspecified elbow

  • M12.529 Traumatic arthrop...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Elbow arthritis is relatively uncommon.

  • Typical causes include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis.

  • Treatment is determined by etiology, severity of symptom...

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