Cubital Arthrosis – Symptoms of Arthrosis in the Elbow and Elbow Joint, and the Appropriate Treatment for Elbow Arthrosis or Elbow Joint Arthrosis

Cubital osteoarthritis primarily affects middle-aged people who, due to the nature of their work, frequently subject their arms to heavy strain. This includes, for example, construction workers or professional athletes such as handball players, tennis players, or golfers.

Such one-sided stress on the elbow joint accelerates its wear and tear. This is ultimately where the condition gets its colloquial name: “tennis elbow.”

Accidents can also be a cause of cubital osteoarthritis. Arm fractures and dislocations of the joint can lead to microscopic damage to the cartilage. This, in turn, alters the friction on the joint surfaces, which can gradually destroy the cartilage.

Inflammation, infections, and diseases classified as rheumatic conditions can also damage the joints.

The wear and tear of the articular cartilage surfaces usually progresses gradually. Especially in the early stages, the changes in the joint are often not particularly noticeable.

In the early stages of elbow osteoarthritis, there may be

• nighttime pain in the elbow joint as well as
• pain during activity

.

As the disease progresses, pain also occurs at rest. This is usually accompanied by swelling and muscle tension, which can progress to a gradual stiffening of the elbow joint. Many patients also complain of joint noises—a cracking sound in the elbow, known in medical terms as crepitation.

In cubital osteoarthritis, the cartilage of the elbow joint is gradually destroyed (shown here using the knee as an example): healthy cartilage on the left, severely worn cartilage on the right © crevis | AdobeStock

In most cases, the doctor picks up on the first signs of an arthritic condition during the initial consultation (medical history).

The suspected diagnosis of “cubital osteoarthritis” can be confirmed by a physical examination, including range-of-motion tests. An X-ray of the elbow joint is then usually taken.

The X-ray makes it possible to determine the extent of joint damage in the elbow. It can also reveal narrowing of the joint space, individual joint condyles, and cysts in the area of the joint.

Even with modern medical procedures, elbow osteoarthritis is currently incurable. Once lost, cartilage tissue cannot currently be regenerated or replaced on its own. Therefore, the primary goal of treating cubital osteoarthritis is to

• slowing the progression of the disease,
• alleviate the associated pain, and
• ultimately improve the quality of life for affected patients.

The earlier elbow osteoarthritis is detected, the easier it is to achieve these goals using conservative treatments. These primarily include

• physical therapy as well as
• anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications.

If conservative treatment methods do not yield sufficient results, surgery is usually the only remaining option. The procedure can be performed arthroscopically or as open surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon also removes irregularities or loose cartilage fragments from the joint surfaces.

Arthroscopy is therefore one of the joint-cleaning procedures designed to preserve the joint. Combined with physical therapy, joint replacement can often be significantly delayed. However, if joint debridement—and thus joint preservation—is not possible, a total elbow joint replacement is an option. In this procedure, the elbow joint is replaced with an artificial joint—a joint prosthesis.

Cubital osteoarthritis is a joint disease that requires treatment. The wear and tear cannot be reversed or cured through dietary changes or joint rest. Spontaneous healing also does not occur.

If joint degeneration continues to progress, it leads to

• severe pain and
• restricted movement

in the elbow joint. Conventional therapy is usually no longer sufficient at this stage.

Therefore, it is very important for the prognosis to see a doctor early on. Expert physical therapy can positively influence the course of the disease and slow its progression. However, the progression cannot be completely halted. Nevertheless, this represents a significant benefit for pain management and, consequently, for quality of life.

In advanced stages, surgery is usually the only remaining treatment option. Yet even these procedures generally lead to a positive outcome, with less pain and a better quality of life. Without a timely diagnosis and treatment by a specialist in arthritic joint diseases, the prognosis is poorer. In these cases, joint stiffness occurs due to cartilage damage, resulting in severe pain and reduced mobility.

The only known measure to date for reducing the risk of osteoarthritis in the elbow is to engage in sports that are gentle on the joints. Tennis, golf, and handball do not fall into this category and should be practiced very rarely and only with caution. Swimming, tai chi, and Nordic walking, on the other hand, are considered joint-friendly sports.

Your primary care physician will prescribe conservative treatments such as physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises.

However, surgical treatment of cubital osteoarthritis should be performed at specialized centers for orthopedics, trauma, and/or joint surgery. The specialists in elbow joint surgery at these centers perform such procedures routinely and in large numbers. This significantly improves the prognosis after surgery.

What is cubital osteoarthritis?

Cubital osteoarthritis is osteoarthritis of the elbow joint, in which the cartilage in the joint gradually wears away. This leads to pain, grinding noises, and limited range of motion.

What are the symptoms of elbow osteoarthritis?

Typical symptoms include pain in the elbow, limited mobility, swelling, and a noticeable grinding sensation in the joint. In advanced stages, inflammation and elbow stiffness may also occur.

How is elbow osteoarthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through a clinical examination by an orthopedic specialist as well as imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. These reveal cartilage damage, narrowing of the joint space, and loose bodies within the joint.

What treatment options are available for cubital osteoarthritis?

Treatment includes conservative measures such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and rehabilitation exercises. If conservative therapies have been exhausted, arthroscopic or surgical procedures may be considered.

When is surgery recommended for elbow osteoarthritis?

Surgical treatment is considered when pain and limited range of motion persist despite therapy. Depending on the findings, arthroscopy, debridement, or the implantation of a prosthesis may be performed.