Question 1

What is elbow arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Elbow arthritis is wearing away of the smooth cartilage lining the elbow joint. Unlike hip and knee arthritis (usually primary wear-and-tear), 80% of elbow arthritis is post-traumatic - caused by previous fracture or dislocation that damaged the joint surface. The remaining 20% is mainly rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory condition destroying cartilage). Primary osteoarthritis (age-related wear without injury) is actually uncommon in elbows. As cartilage wears, bone rubs on bone causing pain. Bone spurs (osteophytes) form limiting motion. Loose bodies (cartilage or bone fragments) can cause locking. Ulnar nerve can be compressed by bone spurs causing numbness in ring and pinky fingers.

Question 2

Why does elbow arthritis cause loss of motion?

Accepted Answer

Elbow arthritis causes motion loss through several mechanisms: bone spurs block full straightening and bending, joint capsule becomes stiff and contracted, pain limits movement, and loose bodies can mechanically block motion. Many people lose 20-40 degrees of extension (straightening) and flexion (bending). This affects function - difficulty reaching face to eat/shave (need flexion) and difficulty straightening arm for tasks. Surgery can improve motion by removing bone spurs and releasing scar tissue, but cannot usually restore completely normal range - some stiffness often remains permanent even after surgery.

Question 3

Will I need surgery?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Many people manage elbow arthritis non-surgically with activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and occasional cortisone injections. Surgery considered when: pain significantly affects quality of life despite conservative treatment, loss of motion interfering with daily activities, frequent locking from loose bodies, or progressive ulnar nerve symptoms. Unlike hip and knee arthritis where most eventually need replacement, many elbow arthritis patients never need surgery - the elbow is lower stress than weight-bearing joints.

Question 4

What's the difference between arthroscopic surgery and elbow replacement?

Accepted Answer

Arthroscopic debridement: Keyhole surgery removing bone spurs and loose bodies. Best for mild-moderate arthritis. Improves motion and reduces locking. Provides 3-7 years relief typically. Doesn't cure arthritis but delays bigger surgery. Quick recovery (4-8 weeks). Can still lift heavy. Elbow replacement: Removing worn joint and replacing with metal-plastic implant. Best for severe arthritis in older, lower-demand people. Excellent pain relief (90-95%) but permanent 5kg lifting restriction. Lasts 10-15 years. Major surgery (3-6 month recovery). Choose based on: age, activity level, severity of arthritis, and functional goals.

Question 5

Can I lift weights or do manual labor after elbow surgery?

Accepted Answer

Depends on surgery type. After arthroscopic debridement or interposition arthroplasty: Yes, can return to heavy manual labor and lifting after full recovery (4-6 months for arthroscopy, 6-12 months for interposition). After total elbow replacement: NO - permanent lifting restrictions apply. Maximum 5kg repetitive lifting, 10kg single lift. This is because the implant can loosen or fail with heavy stress. If you're young and do heavy manual labor, you're NOT a candidate for elbow replacement - options are arthroscopic surgery, interposition arthroplasty, or in severe cases, elbow fusion (which allows heavy lifting but eliminates elbow motion).

Medical Disclaimer

Elbow Arthritis (Worn Elbow Joint)

📖What is Elbow Arthritis (Worn Elbow Joint)?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention