Osteoarthritis refers to the wear and tear of the protective cartilage layer in the elbow joint that covers the bones as well as prevents them from rubbing against each other. It is more commonly seen in men and the symptoms are mostly seen after 50 years of age. Being a degenerative disorder, Osteoarthritis progresses with time and may result in permanent disability.
Causes
- Previous injuries such as fractures or dislocations of the joint
- Wear and tear of the joint parts due to aging
- Sports, such as baseball, which involve excessive use of the elbow may wear out the ligament structure
- Family history of Osteoarthritis may increase the chances of its development
Symptoms
- Pain in the joint and arm
- Significant loss of range of motion
- The patient may feel a grating or cracking sensation when the joint is moved
- A feeling of the joint ‘locking’ due to displaced bones
- Tingling and numbness
- Tenderness and swelling
- Development of bone spurs
- Stiffness
- The joint feels unstable
- Lifting and carrying heavy objects becomes difficult
- Weakened grasping ability
Diagnosis
- Analysis of the patient’s symptoms, medical history and previous elbow surgeries, if any
- Palpation and range of motion tests may be done to check for the extent of degeneration
- X-ray imaging to determine the changes in bone structure and rule out fracture or dislocation
- MRI and CT scan to assess the damage to soft tissue structures
Treatment
- Prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs by an orthopedic doctor
- Rest the affected arm and avoid any strenuous activities
- Injecting corticosteroids may be an option to provide relief from severe pain
- Viscosupplementation – Certain fluids may be injected into the joint to improve mobility and prevent rubbing of bones
- Physical therapy may help to restore strength, flexibility and range of motion
- Arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive process, may be performed to remove damaged parts, bone spurs and debris from the joint
- Arthroplasty – Surgical joint replacement in case the elbow has been severely damaged
- Cartilage or bone grafting may be required to restore functionality of the joint
OrthoTexas provides treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Elbow and other medical conditions. To schedule an appointment with our elbow doctors call 972-492-1334 (678.4689).
