Osteoarthritis of the elbow joint

For arthrosis of the elbow joint, otherwise known as epicondylosis, degenerative and dystrophic changes in the shoulder epicondyle are characteristic. In general, the appearance of arthrosis of the elbow joint is preceded by fractures of the humerus or articular surfaces of the ulna and radius. Disease can be caused by excessive stress on the joint itself when performing work( vibrating machines).Arthrosis of the joint can develop with some sports( fencing, tennis, etc.).

Symptoms of arthrosis of the elbow joint

The main sign of arthrosis of the elbow joint is moderate, tolerable pain in the elbow area that appear when moving, flexing and flexing the arm. Most often in the zone of the external epicondyle. Also, the localization of pain in the direction of the brush is typical.

If you try to fully straighten the elbow at the elbow or, on the contrary, try to bend it in the elbow joint, then severe pain occurs. With such influences, the elbow joint can even "jam".Everyday the usual movements of the hand bring a person a minimum of inconvenience.

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When arthrosis of the joint goes too far, then it appears at the elbow joint when the crunch is moving, there is a restriction of elbow mobility - the arm does not bend or flex to the end. In some cases, the hand "stiffens" forever in a slightly bent position, and it is impossible to straighten it completely in the elbow joint.

With the "far gone" disease the joint is deformed, it looks a little wider than the healthy elbow joint. If you feel the joint affected by arthrosis, then it can be noted that this deformation is caused by bone growths - a modification of the bones that are articulated in the elbow.

The symptom of arthrosis is muscle weakness in the elbow area, which manifests itself during special tests. Symptom Velta: with simultaneous supination and flexion of both hands, all movements of the injured arm lag visually from the movements of the healthy arm. Symptom Thompson: it is difficult to hold the hand, compressed into a fist, in the position of the rear bend. Brush quickly turns into the position of palmar flexion.

Diagnosis of arthrosis of this joint

For the diagnosis of arthrosis of the elbow joint, an x-ray of the elbow joint and blood tests are performed.

X-ray images of arthrosis show typical signs for this disease. This is a decrease in the joint space, in other words, a decrease in the distance between the bones that are jointed in the joint;The appearance of bone proliferation and deformation of bones.

What is the treatment for arthrosis of the elbow joint

For this arthrosis treatment is carried out according to general principles in the treatment of deforming osteoarthritis. It aims to stop the pain, to maximize the recovery of the volume of all movements in the elbow joint, to prevent relapses.

Treatment is as follows. This compliance with the sparing regimen( reducing the load on the elbow joint and restricting movement, which increase pain), with acute arthrosis temporary immobilization of the joint. This is the appointment of local anti-inflammatory drugs( ointments, gels).Admission of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - appointed internally, if the effect is absent, then switch to intramuscular injections. Corticosteroids are injected into the inflammation zone. Blockades with local anesthetic: injected into the cubital canal solution of novocaine.

If necessary, then electrophoresis with hydrocortisone, cryotherapy, laser therapy, acupuncture. Massage and physiotherapy are prescribed after pain relief.

Given that arthrosis of this joint is fairly well treatable, surgical treatment of the disease is rarely used. It is used when it is impossible to stop the pain syndrome with medications or with progressive atrophy( neuromuscular).

Prevention of exacerbations of arthrosis of this joint

Prophylaxis is as follows. Dosage, rational loading on a sick joint. In the absence of symptoms of inflammation, strictly on the recommendation of a specialist - warm baths and compresses with the addition of medicinal components. Elimination of any movements with support on the forearm, avoidance of stereotyped actions with a load on the joint itself, carrying loads of more than 3 kilograms.