Elbow
Elbow Osteoarthritis
주관절 골관절염
Degenerative arthritis of the elbow from overuse and repetitive trauma
- How common
- Common in middle-aged manual laborers
- Typical age
- Men, 40+
What is it?
Axial loading and repetitive trauma erode cartilage, forming osteophytes and loose bodies that limit motion.
Commonly affected: Humero-ulnar and humero-radial joints
How it develops
- Normal ElbowSmooth cartilage, full ROM
- Repetitive Trauma/OveruseHeavy lifting and repetitive impact
- Cartilage WearProgressive cartilage loss
- Osteophytes/Loose BodiesMarginal osteophytes and loose bodies cause locking
- ROM RestrictionLoss of full extension/flexion with pain
Symptoms
- Motion LimitationLoss of full flexion and extension
- Elbow PainActivity-related pain, rest relieves
- Locking (Loose Body)Sudden catching or locking from loose bodies
- CrepitusGrating sensation with motion
- Ulnar Nerve SymptomsPossible ulnar nerve irritation with tingling
How it is examined
- ROM MeasurementMeasure extension and flexion angles
- Joint Line TendernessHumero-ulnar and humero-radial tenderness
- Loose Body PalpationPalpable loose bodies with motion
- Ulnar Nerve CheckTinel at cubital tunnel — rule out concurrent entrapment
Imaging
X-ray is first-line — shows osteophytes, joint space, loose bodies.
- Joint space narrowing
- Osteophyte formation
- Loose bodies
- Subchondral cysts
MRI adds cartilage, soft tissue, loose body detail.
- Cartilage defects
- Bone marrow edema
- Intra-articular loose bodies
Non-surgical care
- Activity ModificationAvoid heavy lifting, use assistive devices
- NSAIDs + Heat/IceNSAIDs with alternating heat and ice
- PT / ROM ExercisesStretching and strengthening
- Intra-articular InjectionSteroid or hyaluronic acid injection
Conservative options are generally tried first. Medications listed here can have side effects — discuss them with your prescriber.
When surgery is considered
6-month conservative failure, severe disability, loose body locking
Procedures that may be discussed
- Arthroscopic debridement + loose body removal (OK procedure)
- Column procedure (severe)
- Total elbow arthroplasty (rare)
Outlook
70–80% improve with conservative care; arthroscopy yields good outcomes.