Elbow Osteoarthritis

What is Elbow Osteoarthritis?

Elbow osteoarthritis (OA) is degeneration of the cartilage lining the elbow joint, causing pain, progressive stiffness and loss of range of motion. Unlike the hip and knee, primary osteoarthritis of the elbow is relatively uncommon. It most frequently develops as post-traumatic arthritis following elbow fractures, dislocations, ligament injuries, or as a result of heavy occupational loading over many years.

A characteristic feature of elbow osteoarthritis is loss of the ability to straighten and bend the elbow fully, often with a painful arc in the mid-range of movement. Loose bodies, fragments of cartilage or bone within the joint commonly develop and cause sudden locking or catching of the elbow. Specialist Hand Therapy manages symptoms, maintains functional range of movement and prepares patients for surgical intervention if and when it becomes necessary.

What causes Elbow Osteoarthritis?

• Post-traumatic arthritis following previous elbow fracture, dislocation or cartilage injury
• Heavy manual labour over many years: construction, mining, agriculture
• Overhead throwing sports causing repetitive joint loading and cartilage wear
• Primary osteoarthritis: wear-and-tear degeneration without a specific injury history

Signs & symptoms

• Losing the ability to fully straighten the elbow, which is often the earliest sign
• Stiffness and aching at rest and after inactivity, easing with gentle movement
• Pain at the end-range elbow movement
• Locking or catching of the elbow, suggesting loose bodies within the joint
• Crepitus: a grinding or crunching sensation during elbow movement
• Reduced forearm rotation and grip strength in more advanced disease

How Hand Therapy can help

Ms Razo provides specialist assessment and evidence-based treatment for Elbow Osteoarthritis. Following a thorough initial assessment, a personalised treatment plan will be developed to address your specific needs and goals.

Frequently asked questions

Why does elbow osteoarthritis cause loss of extension?

Loss of full elbow extension (the ability to straighten) is a hallmark of elbow osteoarthritis. It results from bone spur formation which creates a mechanical block to extension. Symptoms include pain and over time the joint capsule shortens further. This is distinct from most other arthritic joints, where flexion loss (the ability to bend) is the earlier finding.

What are loose bodies in the elbow?

Loose bodies are fragments of bone or cartilage that have detached from the joint surface and float within the joint space. They are common in elbow osteoarthritis and cause sudden, unpredictable locking or catching of the elbow. Surgical arthroscopic removal of loose bodies can provide significant relief of mechanical symptoms and is a commonly performed surgical procedure for elbow OA.

Can elbow osteoarthritis be managed without surgery?

Mild to moderate elbow osteoarthritis can be managed non-operatively for many years with Hand Therapy treatment. Surgical intervention is considered when symptoms significantly impact quality of life and non-operative measures are no longer providing adequate relief. Early specialist input can slow functional decline and help delay the need for surgery.