Elbow arthritis may cause pain when the elbow is bent, straightened, or when the arm is carrying a heavy object like a briefcase or a suitcase.

Symptoms may be gradual in their onset, beginning with stiffness. Occasionally, patients may experience “locking” or “catching” of the elbow such that it gets stuck during motion, causing sudden pain. This is associated with “loose bodies” which are pieces of cartilage which are free within the joint.

What causes elbow arthritis?

The most common cause of elbow arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, though osteoarthritis and injury can cause arthritis in the elbow also:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: An inflammatory disease affecting the lining of joints and destroys bones, joints and tissues.The condition often starts in smaller joints, like those found in the wrist or hand.
• Osteoarthritis: A progressive condition that destroys the cartilage that covers the ends of bones. When uncovered bones rub against each other, chronic pain, stiffness and weakness results.

Direct trauma or injury to the elbow such as from a fracture or dislocation can lead to cartilage damage in the elbow joint.

What does it feel like?

Elbow arthritis is characterized by chronic pain, increased pain as the forearm is rotated or the arm is flexed or extended, and pain that persists during inactivity.

Other symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Instability
• Difficulty straightening or bending the elbow
• Locking of the elbow joint
• Stiffness

How do I know if I have elbow arthritis?

A physical examination and review of your medical history will help your doctor determine the diagnosis.

Often, x-rays are performed to help distinguish between various forms of arthritis and to rule out underlying conditions like broken bones.

How is elbow arthritis treated?

Often modifying activities, taking anti-inflammatory medicines, and physical therapy helps to manage pain and other symptoms. Occasionally, a cortisone injection may be helpful. When nonsurgical treatments are no longer effective, surgery may be considered.

Surgeries include:

• Arthroscopy: Using two or three tiny incisions, the surgeon can remove bone spurs, loose fragments, or a portion of the diseased bone lining.
• Osteotomy: Part of the bone is removed to relieve pressure on the joint.
• Synovectomy: The diseased bone lining is removed. Often only a portion is removed to  provide a greater range of motion for the patient.
• Arthroplasty: An artificial joint is implanted to replace the diseased joint.

If a surgical procedure is necessary, you and your doctor will work together to determine what method is best for you.

Duke Orthopaedics treats elbow arthritis at locations throughout North Carolina, including Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.

Learn more about Duke's treatment programs.

Treatment Videos

At Duke Orthopaedics, our doctors often uses arthroscopic debridement of the elbow to treat elbow arthritis. The following video demonstrates this procedure.