Degenerative Joint Disease of the Elbow

Degenerative joint disease of the elbow can be subclassified into osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, neuropathic arthritis, and septic arthritis. Radiographs are often sufficiently diagnostic, although CT scan is occasionally helpful. Non-operative measures include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, steroid injections, gentle range of motion activities, and activity modification. Osteoarthritis is most commonly seen in the dominant arm of male laborers. Post-traumatic arthritis occurs after many fractures about the elbow with treatment options dictated by the degree and location of arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis occurs more commonly in females, and treatment depends on patient’s degree of pain and whether instability is present. Septic arthritis requires a prompt diagnosis and treatment with immunocompromised patients more likely to experience the disorder and main sequelae after treatment being loss of function. Neuropathic arthritis is rare and poorly understood. Treatment depends on protecting the joint and preserving range of motion as pain is rarely a consideration and surgical procedures having a high failure rate.