Elbow Arthritis
Just like any other joint, the elbow can be affected by Arthritis. There are two main types of arthritis: 'Osteoarthritis'(Wear & Tear) and 'Inflammatory Arthritis' (or 'Rheumatoid Arthritis').
The common complaints in the elbow arthritis are pain, stiffness, and reduced movement in the elbow. This would commonly lead to deterioration in the function and use of the arm and hand. Sometimes patients complain from intermittent locking of the elbow movement. This is caused by wedging of the joint surfaces with some floating bits of the cartilage lining of the joint which has been broken off within the elbow. Back...
Diagnosis can be made by x-ray and some other imaging tests like CT scan.
Treatment lines are similar to any other Joint Arthritis, including non-operative and operative methods. Mr. Ayoub will discuss with the patient the specific elbow surgical procedure as indicated. Some of these procedures are; 1. Elbow arthroscopy: This is a key hole surgery for the elbow, when a telescope is introduced into the joint for diagnostic and therapeutic reasons.
2. Elbow Debridement: In most cases, this can be done through a minimal invasive technique called Outerbridge-Kashiwagi (OK) procedure. Commonly it is a Day-Surgery operation involving in making a small skin incision in the back of the elbow. Firstly, all loose bodies and bony spurs in the back of the elbow that are blocking movement are removed. Then a hole is made in the distal humerus (end of the arm bone) to remove loose bodies from the front of the elbow.
3. Radial Head Excision or Replacement: These techniques are applied on the radial head (the top part of your forearm bone) on the outer side of the elbow. Radial head replacement is more commonly offered as a special treatment following injury/Fracture. Radial head Excision is commonly provided for patients with Inflammatory Joint Disease accompanied with Synovectmy (excision of the inflamed joint lining).
4. Total Elbow Joint Replacement: This is indicated for patients with advanced stage of Elbow arthritis. Back... |
