Elbow Arthritis
Elbow arthritis is a degenerative condition in which the cartilage of the elbow joint wears out over time. Healthy cartilage is a smooth surface, but as it begins to wear out, it can become a rough and bumpy surface, eventually getting to the point where the joint becomes “bone-on-bone”. On x-ray imaging, this shows up as narrowing of the space between the bones as well as the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes).
Arthritis can lead to several symptoms, including pain, decreased range of motion, and mechanical symptoms such as popping, clicking, or a “crunchy” feeling within the joint.
The treatment of arthritis begins with non-invasive modalities including anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and/or steroid injections. These options may provide relief in mild to moderate arthritis, however in the later stages they may prove to be ineffective. There are multiple surgical options for elbow arthritis, including arthroscopic debridement and elbow replacement.
Arthroscopic Elbow Debridement
The elbow is unique in that patients with elbow arthritis can often make significant improvements with a debridement or “clean-up” procedure.
Patients with arthritis of the elbow often have bone spurs (osteophytes) that impinge on each other when trying to fully bend or extend the elbow. This results in pain and loss of range of motion. Removing these bone spurs results in decreased pain and may increase range of motion.
Loose bodies (broken off pieces of bone and/or cartilage) may also be present in the elbow and often cause sharp pains or mechanical symptoms that seemingly come out of nowhere or are present with the elbow in certain positions. Removing these loose bodies is important to alleviate these mechanical symptoms and potentially reduce the risk of further damage to the joint.
Lastly, the joint capsule (envelope of tissue that surrounds the elbow) is often thick and contracted in patients with elbow arthritis. Removing a portion of this tight envelope results in improved range of motion.
Dr. Erik Contreras is an expert in elbow arthroscopy for arthritis. He uses minimally invasive techniques, utilizing the latest technology to perform elbow debridements arthroscopically. During this procedure, he can remove bone spurs, loose bodies, and a portion of the tight joint capsule in order to decrease pain and improve range of motion, altogether resulting in better function.
Recovery After Arthroscopic Elbow Debridement
Dr. Contreras performs arthroscopic elbow debridements in the outpatient surgical center, and patients are able to go home the same day.
In general, physical therapy begins the week of surgery, and patients are encouraged to wean out of their sling as soon as possible. Physical therapy generally lasts 6-8 weeks. Following that, patients are allowed to get back to all of their usual activities without restriction.
Elbow Replacement
Elbow replacement is an option for select patients in which all other treatments have failed to provide adequate relief. Elbow replacement involves replacing both ends of the elbow joint with metal and plastic parts.
Due to the mechanics of the elbow joint, patients are unfortunately limited to a 5 pound weight lifting restriction for life. Because of this restriction, elbow replacement is generally reserved for patients that are older with lower activity demands.
Dr. Contreras will discuss if elbow replacement is the right option for you.
Elbow Replacement in Bergen County, NJ
At Cahill Orthopedic, we offer the latest treatment options for elbow arthritis. Dr. Erik Contreras is a fellowship trained shoulder and elbow surgeon, specializing in both elbow arthroscopy and elbow replacement. If you would like to learn more about elbow arthritis treatment options or schedule an appointment, please contact our office at (201) 489-0022.
Frequently Asked Questions: Elbow Arthritis
What is elbow arthritis?
Elbow arthritis is a degenerative condition in which the cartilage of the elbow joint wears out over time. Healthy cartilage is a smooth surface, but as it begins to wear out, it can become a rough and bumpy surface, eventually getting to the point where the joint becomes “bone-on-bone.” On x-ray imaging, this shows up as narrowing of the space between the bones as well as the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes).
What symptoms does elbow arthritis cause?
Arthritis can lead to several symptoms, including pain, decreased range of motion, and mechanical symptoms such as popping, clicking, or a “crunchy” feeling within the joint.
How is elbow arthritis first treated?
The treatment of arthritis begins with non-invasive modalities including anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and/or steroid injections. These options may provide relief in mild to moderate arthritis, however in the later stages they may prove to be ineffective.
What surgical options are available for elbow arthritis?
There are multiple surgical options for elbow arthritis, including arthroscopic debridement and elbow replacement.
What is an arthroscopic elbow debridement?
During this procedure, Dr. Contreras can remove bone spurs, loose bodies, and a portion of the tight joint capsule in order to decrease pain and improve range of motion, altogether resulting in better function. He uses minimally invasive techniques, utilizing the latest technology to perform elbow debridements arthroscopically.
Why is the elbow a good candidate for a debridement procedure?
The elbow is unique in that patients with elbow arthritis can often make significant improvements with a debridement or “clean-up” procedure.
What are bone spurs and how do they affect the elbow?
Patients with arthritis of the elbow often have bone spurs (osteophytes) that impinge on each other when trying to fully bend or extend the elbow. This results in pain and loss of range of motion. Removing these bone spurs results in decreased pain and may increase range of motion.
What are loose bodies and why is it important to remove them?
Loose bodies are broken off pieces of bone and/or cartilage that may be present in the elbow and often cause sharp pains or mechanical symptoms that seemingly come out of nowhere or are present with the elbow in certain positions. Removing these loose bodies is important to alleviate these mechanical symptoms and potentially reduce the risk of further damage to the joint.
What role does the joint capsule play in elbow arthritis?
The joint capsule, which is the envelope of tissue that surrounds the elbow, is often thick and contracted in patients with elbow arthritis. Removing a portion of this tight envelope results in improved range of motion.
Will I need to stay in the hospital after an arthroscopic elbow debridement?
No. Dr. Contreras performs arthroscopic elbow debridements in the outpatient surgical center, and patients are able to go home the same day.
What does recovery look like after an arthroscopic elbow debridement?
In general, physical therapy begins the week of surgery, and patients are encouraged to wean out of their sling as soon as possible. Physical therapy generally lasts 6 to 8 weeks. Following that, patients are allowed to get back to all of their usual activities without restriction.
What is an elbow replacement?
Elbow replacement involves replacing both ends of the elbow joint with metal and plastic parts.
Who is a candidate for elbow replacement?
Elbow replacement is an option for select patients in which all other treatments have failed to provide adequate relief. Because of the weight lifting restriction that comes with elbow replacement, it is generally reserved for patients that are older with lower activity demands.
Are there any long-term restrictions after elbow replacement?
Yes. Due to the mechanics of the elbow joint, patients are unfortunately limited to a 5 pound weight lifting restriction for life.
What are Dr. Contreras’s qualifications for treating elbow arthritis?
Dr. Erik Contreras is a fellowship trained shoulder and elbow surgeon, specializing in both elbow arthroscopy and elbow replacement.
How do I schedule an appointment for elbow arthritis treatment?
To learn more about elbow arthritis treatment options or to schedule an appointment, please contact the office at (201) 489-0022.