Elbow osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Post traumatic arthritis

Osteoarthritis of the elbow is usually due to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) primary OA or post traumatic OA. Typically it presents as pain and stiffness of the elbow joint. With inflammatory or rheumatoid arthritis the pain is often felt continuous through range with limitation of range. With primary OA the pain is often initially only felt at the extremes of range. Primary OA is associated with very prolonged strenuous use of the elbow (e.g manual workers/labourers). In post traumatic OA there will be a history of previous trauma, surgery or fracture.

• Mechanism of onset, location of symptoms, severity and longevity of symptoms, limitation to function, history of trauma or surgery, notable RA/Inflammatory co morbids or complaints.

Range of motion.

X-Ray.

• Pain relief in line with agreed formularies/guidance
• NHS AAA MSK website
• Patient information leaflet - Versus Arthritis. Osteoarthritis of the elbow and shoulder.