Osteoarthritis of the elbow joint

♦ Symptomatic, primary osteoarthritis of the elbow usually occurs in young men involved in heavy manual labour.♦ Common causes of secondary osteoarthritis of the elbow are trauma, infection, bleeding disorders and neuropathic conditions.♦ Clinically, the commonest presenting symptom is loss of motion. Patients can also complain of pain, locking and ulnar nerve symptoms.♦ Plain X-rays are usually sufficient for diagnosis. They show reduction in joint space and osteophytes at the tip of olecranon and coronoid processes. Loose bodies are also frequently seen.♦ Symptoms in early stages of arthritis are controlled by nonoperative means. Steroids are rarely used in clinical practice.♦ In advanced cases, numerous operative treatments including arthroscopic and open procedures are available.♦ Total Elbow replacement (TER) for primary degenerative arthritis of the elbow is only to be considered as the last option and when stringent pre and post-operative requirements are followed.