Elbow arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the elbow becomes worn or damaged. Damage can occur from overuse due to age and repetitive activities, or as a result of an injury, such as a fracture or dislocation.
Elbow arthritis can be extremely painful and can interfere with daily tasks that involve bending your arm. If your life is affected by elbow arthritis, a Penn orthopaedic specialist can relieve your pain and restore your maximum elbow function.
At Penn Orthopaedics, we treat every type of elbow arthritis including:
- Osteoarthritis: The least common type of elbow arthritis. It most commonly occurs as a result of overuse, or an injury such as dislocation or fracture.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: Arthritis caused by an injury to the elbow joint that causes inflammation.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: The most common type of elbow arthritis. It is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the joint tissues, causing inflammation and damage. Both elbows are often affected.
Meet the team of experts who specialize in elbow arthritis treatment
Elbow Arthritis Symptoms
You may have elbow arthritis if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Elbow pain
- Grinding, popping or cracking of the elbow joint
- Stiffness or a decreased range of motion
- Swelling
- Tenderness, warmth and redness in the elbow joint
Diagnosing Elbow Arthritis
We use the latest diagnostic tests and tools to diagnose elbow arthritis. When you are evaluated for elbow arthritis, a Penn orthopaedic specialist will assess your symptoms, examine your elbow, inquire about any recent injuries or underlying conditions and take a full medical history.
If further tests are required, an orthopaedic specialist may order the following advanced imaging tests and tools:
- X-ray
- MRI
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound
- CT scan
Elbow Arthritis Treatment
In most cases of elbow arthritis, Penn orthopaedic specialists will first try more conservative treatments that have been proven to relieve elbow arthritis pain and improve elbow function. Your treatment plan is based on your individual needs and goals for therapy. Many people with elbow arthritis experience effective results through implementing simple, noninvasive therapies.
Nonsurgical therapy for elbow arthritis includes:
- Activity modification
- Corticosteroid injections
- Icing or applying heat to the inflamed elbow
- Pain or anti-inflammatory medication
- Patient education about symptom management
If these methods do not offer enough relief, surgery may be recommended to treat your elbow arthritis. We offer the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques for elbow arthritis. Your orthopaedic team will discuss these surgical options with you.
Elbow Arthritis Surgery
You may be a candidate for elbow arthritis surgery if your elbow arthritis pain interferes with your daily life and conservative therapies do not provide relief. You and your orthopaedic surgeon will determine if surgery is the right option for you. We offer the latest advancements in surgical treatment that restore your elbow to maximum function and relieve pain. These include advanced arthroscopic procedures, total elbow replacement, and soft-tissue reconstruction of tendons, ligaments and muscles.
Depending on the severity of your elbow arthritis, your physician may recommend one or more of the following surgeries:
Advanced Arthroscopic Techniques to Treat Elbow Arthritis
Arthroscopic techniques are minimally invasive procedures that entail making a small incision in the elbow and inserting a thin, flexible instrument called an arthroscope. The arthroscope has a tiny lens and light that allow your surgeon to see the bones, joints and soft tissues in the elbow. The surgeon is able to repair and reconstruct structures of the elbow and remove damaged and inflamed tissue through this very small incision. Arthroscopic techniques allow for less pain and scarring and faster recovery times.
Total Elbow Replacement
We are highly experienced in performing total elbow replacement to restore range of mobility for patients with end-stage arthritis in the elbow. In a total elbow replacement, the parts of the elbow, including the humerus and ulna, are replaced with artificial parts. Elbow replacement surgery can be very complicated and is performed in two ways: “linked” and “unlinked.”
The “linked” method places an artificial stem inside the humerus. Another stem is inserted into the ulna. Surgeons then connect the two stems with a hinge to allow for better function and range of motion.
The “unlinked” method can be used for individuals who have healthier soft tissues in the elbow. An “unlinked” elbow replacement does not require a hinge because the two stems are held together with ligaments, tendons and muscles that are in good condition.
Physical therapy is extremely important because it helps maintain motion and decreases edema. Total elbow replacements allow for restored mobility and eliminates or greatly reduces pain for a better quality of life.
Elbow Arthritis Surgery Recovery
After surgery, your arm may be in a splint or cast for several weeks. Your doctor will recommend that you ice and elevate your elbow after surgery to reduce pain and swelling. Pain management specialists work with your orthopaedic team to significantly reduce or eliminate your pain to get your elbow back to maximum function as soon as possible. Our pain management program offers the latest techniques that reduce the need for narcotics. Depending on your particular condition and the type of surgery you had, your doctor may have you begin physical therapy to improve range of motion and function and prevent stiffness in the elbow joint.
Personalized Rehabilitation Programs for Elbow Arthritis
Recovering from elbow arthritis surgery will be different for everyone. Our physical therapists, orthopaedic specialists and pain management experts carefully create rehabilitation plans that take into account your particular condition, the surgical procedure you have undergone and your personal goals for recovery. We take care of you from start to finish, offering ongoing follow up care for as long as you need it. We ensure that your customized recovery plan provides you with the best possible outcome. Speak with your doctor about what your elbow arthritis recovery plan will include.