Arthritis of the Elbow 

For many people, arthritis of the elbow can cause pain not only when they bend their elbow, but also when they straighten it, such as to carry a briefcase. The most common cause of arthritis of the elbow is rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis and injuries can also cause arthritis in the elbow joint.

 

Trauma or injury to the elbow can also damage the cartilage of the joint. This can lead to the development of arthritis in the injured joint.

Cause

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of the joint linings, or synovia. As the joint lining swells, the joint space narrows. The disease gradually destroys the bones and soft tissues. Usually, RA affects both elbows, as well other joints such as the hand, wrist and shoulder.

Osteoarthritis affects the cushioning cartilage on the ends of the bones that enables them to move smoothly in the joint. As the cartilage is destroyed, the bones begin to rub against each other. Loose fragments within the joint may accelerate degeneration.

  • Biceps Tendon Rupture
  • Bursitis
  • Coronoid Fracture
  • Distal Humerous Fracture
  • Elbow Arthritis
  • Elbow Dislocation
  • Elbow Epicondylitis
  • Elbow Fractures in Children
  • Forearm Fractures
  • Golfer’s Elbow
  • Olecranon Fracture
  • Radial Head Fracture
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Elbow
  • Stiffness of the Elbow
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Throwing Injury
  • Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Tear

  • Autograft (UCL) Tear
  • Biceps Tendon Rupture Surgery
  • Bursitis/Impingement Surgery
  • Coronoid Fracture Surgery
  • Closed Reduction (Elbow) Surgery
  • Distal Radial Fracture Surgery
  • Elbow Arthritis Surgery
  • Elbow Arthroplasty Surgery
  • Elbow Arthroscopy Surgery
  • Elbow Epicondlyitis Surgery/Tenex FAST Procedure
  • Elbow Fracture Surgery
  • Elbow Replacement Surgery
  • Olecranon Fracture Surgery
  • Radial Head Fracture Surgery
  • Tennis Elbow – Tenex FAST Surgery
  • Throwing Injury Surgery

The Orthopedic physicians at Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic provide conservative treatment options for Elbow conditions and injuries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of elbow arthritis vary and can include:

  • Pain. In the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis, pain may be primarily on the outer side of the joint. Pain generally gets worse as you turn (rotate) your forearm. The pain of osteoarthritis may get worse as you extend your arm. Pain that continues during the night or when you are at rest indicates a more advanced stage of osteoarthritis.

  • Swelling. This is more common with rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Instability. The joint isn’t stable and gives way, making it difficult or impossible to do normal daily activities.

  • Lack of full movement. You are not able to straighten (extend) or bend (flex) the elbow.

  • Locking. Your elbow joint catches or locks. This can happen with osteoarthritis.

    Stiffness. This happens particularly with arthritis that develops after an injury.

  • Pain in both elbows. Having pain in both elbows or pain at the wrists or shoulders (or both) as well as pain in the elbows is a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination & Patient History

During your first visit, your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and medical history. During the physical examination, your doctor will check all the structures of your injury, and compare them to your non-injured anatomy.  Most injuries can be diagnosed with a thorough physical examination.

Imaging Tests

Imaging Tests Other tests which may help your doctor confirm your diagnosis include:

X-rays. Although they will not show any injury, x-rays can show whether the injury is associated with a broken bone.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. If your injury requires an MRI, this study is utilized to create a better image of soft tissues injuries. However, an MRI may not be required for your particular injury circumstance and will be ordered based on a thorough examination by your Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic Orthopedic physician.

Treatment Options

Nonsurgical Treatment
The first treatments used for elbow arthritis include:

Cut back on activity. Osteoarthritis may be caused by the repetitive overuse of the joint. Avoiding certain activities or sports may be helpful. Having periods of rest after exercise or activity involving your elbow can relieve stress on the joint
Pain management. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide short-term pain relief. More powerful drugs may be prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis. These include anti-malarial agents, gold salts, drugs that suppress your immune system and corticosteroids. An injection of a corticosteroid into the joint can often help.
Physical Therapy. Applying heat or cold to the elbow and gentle exercises may be prescribed. A splint to protect the elbow from the stress of moving may be helpful. Devices that reduce stress on your joints such as handle extensions, to maintain daily activities.
Surgical Treatment
If arthritis does not respond to other treatments, surgery may be discussed. The specific type of surgery may depend on the type of arthritis, the stage of the disease, your age, your expectations and your activity requirements. Surgical options include:

Arthroscopy. Using pencil-sized instruments and two or three small incisions, the surgeon can remove bone spurs, loose fragments or a portion of the diseased synovium. This procedure can be used with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Synovectomy. The surgeon removes the diseased synovium. Sometimes, a portion of bone is also removed to provide a greater range of motion. This procedure is often used in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteotomy. The surgeon removes part of the bone to relieve pressure on the joint. This procedure is often used to treat osteoarthritis.
Arthroplasty. The surgeon creates an artificial joint using either an internal prosthesis or an external fixation device. A total joint replacement is usually reserved for patients over 60 years old or patients with RA in advanced stages.

Conservative Treatment Options

  • Non-Operative Golfer’s Elbow Treatment

  • Non-Operative Olecranon Fracture Treatment

  • Non-Operative Tennis Elbow – Lateral Epicondylitis Treatment

  • Non-Operative Radial Head Fracture Treatment

  • Non-Operative Throwing Injury Treatment

  • Non-Operative Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury Treatment

Treatment Highlights

Tenex FAST Procedure

Tenex FAST Procedure

Tenex FAST procedure is an innovative procedure utilized by Dr. Paul Abeyta to address Tennis Elbow – Elbow Epicondylitis injuries and accelerate the treatment options available to patients.

Procedure Advantages:

  • Removes damaged tissue through a microincision and stimulates healing response. Uses gentle ultrasonic technology

  • Involves no general anesthesia or stitches. Local anesthetic (numbing medicine) only. Twenty minutes or less to perform. No need for physical therapy or additional treatments. Your individual results may vary.

  • Full return to normal activity in 6 weeks or less. Your individual results may vary.

Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic

The Orthopaedic physicians at Peninsula Bone & Joint Clinic provide comprehensive services to all members of the family.
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