Elbow arthritis: current concepts

Abstract

Elbow arthritis is a debilitating condition manifesting as a painful, stiff elbow. The purpose of this article is to provide an update and analyze current management, treatment options, and outcomes of treatment for elbow arthritis. This article focuses on recent developments in the treatment for elbow arthritis. Nonsurgical management may provide symptomatic relief in the majority of patients in the early stages of the disease process. Surgical treatment is guided by disease etiology and severity, patient age, and functional demands. Arthroscopic or open synovectomy, debridement arthroplasty, and interposition arthroplasty are generally recommended for the young and active patient population, whereas for low-demand and elderly patients with end-stage painful arthritis, total elbow arthroplasty is considered a more suitable surgical option. Advances in arthroscopic techniques and implant design have led to substantial improvements in the treatment of elbow arthritis.