Bony contact in arthritic and healthy elbow joints. Studies in cadaveric specimens

Schneider MM, Hollinger B, Nietschke R, Mueller K, Buder T, Zimmerer A, Burkhart KJ (2019)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2019

Journal

Orthopäde Springer Verlag

Book Volume: 48

Pages Range: 125-129

Journal Issue: 2

DOI: 10.1007/s00132-018-3634-4

Abstract

BackgroundArthroscopic and open debridement arthroplasty for elbow arthrosis produce excellent results. Resection of the tip of the olecranon and coronoid, as well as debridement of the associated fossae, is frequently described as sufficient for restoring range of motion and reducing pain.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to demonstrate that medial and lateral osteophytes of the olecranon and the coronoid usually mark the first bony contact and may, therefore, restrict range of motion.Material and methods11fresh-frozen elbows were dissected. The fossae were coated with Optosil PPlus (C-silicone), and maximal flexion and extension was simulated. The distribution of C-silicone impressions was documented. 6/7donors were male. The mean age at the time of death was 82.ResultsOut of 11elbows, 4 exhibited arthritic changes. All arthritic elbows showed marginal osteophytes of the olecranon without characteristic dipping of the olecranon into its fossa. In 1/4cases, additional osteophytes at the side of the coronoid were detected (in comparison to 1/7in healthy elbows).ConclusionThe distribution of osteophytes in elbow arthrosis may be underestimated. Many clinicians describe aresection of the tip of the olecranon and the coronoid and debridement of the related fossa as sufficient. Our study supports the theory that marginal osteophytes, especially of the olecranon, should be resected during debridement arthroplasty, since the distribution of bony contact differs in arthritic and healthy elbows.

Authors with CRIS profile

Thomas Buder Lehrstuhl für Funktionelle und Klinische Anatomie

Involved external institutions

ARCUS Sportklinik DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Schneider, M.M., Hollinger, B., Nietschke, R., Mueller, K., Buder, T., Zimmerer, A., & Burkhart, K.J. (2019). Bony contact in arthritic and healthy elbow joints. Studies in cadaveric specimens. Orthopäde, 48(2), 125-129. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00132-018-3634-4

MLA:

Schneider, M. M., et al. "Bony contact in arthritic and healthy elbow joints. Studies in cadaveric specimens." Orthopäde 48.2 (2019): 125-129.

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