Elbow Osteoarthritis

Clinically Relevant Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The elbow joint is a synovial hinge joint. Three bones are involved in the articulation of the joint: the distal end of the humerus and proximal ends of the radius and ulna. Similar to other hinge joints articular surfaces are reciprocally shaped, there are strong collateral ligaments and muscles are grouped at the sides so not to impede movement.

The trochlea at the distal end of the humerus, projects anteriorly and inferiorly at an angle of 45o. The trochlea notch at the proximal ulna, projects anteriorly and superiorly at an angle of 45o. The orientation of these articular surfaces allows a large amount of flexion. It achieves this by delaying contact between the humerus and ulna and providing space for musculature.

The carrying angle describes the lateral deviation of the ulnar axis from the humerus. Aproximately in males it is 10o - 15o and in females 20o - 25o.[1]

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

There are two predominant causes of elbow osteoarthritis: primary and post-traumatic.[2]

Primary[edit | edit source]

Primary osteoarthritis is uncommon and associated with those who take part in excessive sport or manual work. It is most commonly seen in the dominant arm. Initially degenerative changes and osteophytes occur at the olecranon and coronoid processes and respective articular surface whereas the central surfaces remain intact. This pattern manifests itself as patients' commonly complaining of pain the end of range of motion for both flexion and extension. As the disease progresses to the intrinsic articular surfaces, pain is experienced throughout the range of motion as well as a loss in range of motion due to enlarged osteophytes and capsular contracture. Isolated primary osteoarthritis is uncommon at the humeroradial joint.  

Post-traumatic[edit | edit source]

Any trauma to the elbow joint could lead to post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Abnormal kinematics of a joint are thought to cause arthritic changes. Following trauma, the articular surfaces can become incongruent because of malunion of a fracture site or ligamentous instability. Patients tend to report pain and crepitus associated with movements of flexion and extension or forearm rotation.

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Patients' most commonly complain of joint pain with or with loss of range of motion. Early stages of the disease is associated with pain at the extremes of range whereas once advance pain can be felt throughout range. Extension is the most common direction for loss of range post-trauma whereas in primary OA loss of motion is variable.

Identifying any history of significant trauma to the elbow joint is important for diagnosis as well as how the injury was managed.

Ulnar neuropathy is a often a finding associated with elbow OA and may not be a patient's primary complaint. The clinician should attempt to identify changes to hand function, neuropathic pain, weakness, or sensation changes.

Red flags include infection associated with any surgery and septic arthritis.[2]

Diagnostic Procedures[edit | edit source]

Physical examination[edit | edit source]

  • Observation of the upper extremity with comparisons to contralateral side. Look out for deformity, swelling, and muscle atrophy. 
  • Range of motion. Conisder joints above and below.
  • Neurovascular examinaton, the ulnar nerve is commonly effected.
  • Ligamentous stability, varus and valgus test of collateral ligaments are commonly performed.

Imaging[edit | edit source]

X-ray is most commonly used when imaging the elbow joint. Expect to see projections for anteroposterior, lateral and oblique directions. On viewing an x-ray the central joint space is usually preserved with osteophytes typically located at the anterior and posterior aspects. It is important to review previous images especially when there is a history of trauma. With such a history, clinicians should look out for malalignment, incongurency of the joints, or evidence of heterotopic ossification. Stress radiographs are sometimes used when there is a history of instability.

CT is useful in complex cases such as heterotopic ossification, intra-articular loose bodies, bony deformity or malunion is suspected in the setting of previous fracture.

MRI has a limited role in diagnosis and is used only in rare occasions.[2]

Outcome Measures[edit | edit source]

Management / Interventions
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Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

  • Ligament sprain/tear
  • Lateral epicondyle tendinopathy
  • Medial epicondyle tendinopathy
  • Ulnar neuropathy
  • Undiagnosed fracture
  • Referred pain from cervical spine

Key Evidence[edit | edit source]

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Resources
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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]

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References[edit | edit source]

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  1. Palastanga NP, Soames RW, Anatomy and human movement: Structure and function. 6th ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone; 2011 Sep 27. ISBN: 9780702035531.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2. Biswas D, Wysocki RW, Cohen MS. Primary and Posttraumatic arthritis of the elbow. Arthritis. 2013;2013:1–6.
  3. Smith MV, Calfee RP, Baumgarten KM, Brophy RH, Wright RW. Upper Extremity-Specific Measures of Disability and Outcomes in Orthopaedic Surgery. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery American volume. 2012;94(3):277-285. doi:10.2106/JBJS.J.01744.