Primary and posttraumatic arthritis of the elbow

Abstract

Whether degenerative joint disease of the elbow may be the result of primary or posttraumatic etiologies, arthritis of the elbow commonly leads to pain, loss of motion, and functional disability. A detailed history and focused physical examination, in combination with imaging modalities, can help localize the origin of symptoms and help direct treatment. Although nonoperative treatment is the initial therapy for arthritis of the elbow, surgical interventions may provide substantial relief to the appropriately selected patient.

Figure 1

Lateral radiograph demonstrates idiopathic arthritis with osteophytes on the radial head as well as anterior and posterior ulnohumeral joints.

Figure 2

Oblique and lateral radiographs of a patient who sustained a radial head fracture treated nonoperatively; this patient later developed lateral elbow pain with forearm rotation. Radiographs demonstrate anterolateral osteophytes noted at the radial head and decreased joint space in the radiocapitellar joint.

Figure 3

Sagittal CT image demonstrating osteophytes within the olecranon and coronoid fossae of the distal humerus.

Figure 4

AP and lateral radiographs of a patient who underwent total elbow arthroplasty.

Figure 5

A young male laborer with symptomatic arthrosis of the radiocapitellar joint (A) underwent radial head resection; follow-up radiographs demonstrate progressive ulnohumeral arthritis approximately 18 months following the surgical procedure.