Osteoarthritis of the Elbow

Osteoarthritis of the elbow is an infrequent but disabling disease process. It is typically seen in the dominant arm of male laborers in their 50s. Stiffness and loss of range of motion are common presenting symptoms. Radiographs are often diagnostic. Non-operative measures can be utilized initially which include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, steroid injections, gentle range of motion activities, and activity modification. Often patients experiencing osteoarthritis of the elbow have difficulty adhering to activity modification due to the nature of their job. Surgical options include arthroscopic or open ulnohumeral arthroplasty and total elbow arthroplasty. Interposition arthroplasty and arthrodesis are used sparingly as salvage procedures.