Management of inflammatory arthritis around the elbow.

Abstract

There are multiple causes of elbow swelling, with RA being the most common. Crystalline disease such as gout is also frequently seen. Oral medication or intra-articular steroid injection can be extremely effective in controlling symptoms. Synovectomy in conjunction with radial head excision continues to have a role. Fascial arthroplasty can be beneficial in younger patients in isolated disease. In more advanced cases, total elbow arthroplasty is an attractive alternative.