Related Experiment Videos
The rheumatic causes of elbow instability
Angus B Worthing1, Thomas R Cupps
1Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Georgetown University Hospital, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA. angusworthing@gmail.com
Hand Clinics
|February 27, 2008
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis commonly causes elbow instability. Early medical treatment and surgical consultation for severe symptoms are key for managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Elbow instability is frequently caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
- Other causes include erosive arthropathies and noninflammatory conditions.
- Prompt medical and surgical evaluation is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the causes and management of elbow instability in rheumatoid arthritis.
- To outline indications for surgical consultation.
- To discuss current medical and perioperative treatment recommendations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of rheumatoid arthritis and elbow instability.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria for surgical intervention.
- Synthesis of current treatment guidelines for rheumatic diseases.
Main Results:
- Rheumatoid arthritis is the primary cause of elbow instability.
- Indications for surgery include refractory pain, disability, instability, erosions, or fracture risk.
- Comprehensive medical management involves early, combination therapy, including biologic response modifiers.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of rheumatoid arthritis-related elbow instability requires a multidisciplinary approach.
- Timely surgical consultation is essential for patients with significant symptoms or radiographic evidence.
- Adherence to current treatment recommendations optimizes patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna
The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side of the...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...
Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
Nerve plexuses are networks of interlacing nerves that serve as communication hubs to distribute and organize nerve action across various body regions. The nerve plexuses are organized into the cervical plexus located in the neck region, brachial plexus in the shoulder area, lumbar plexus found in the lower back, sacral plexus situated in the pelvis, and coccygeal plexus located in the coccygeal region.
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
Muscles that Move the Forearm
The muscles that move the forearms can be divided into four groups: forearm flexors, forearm extensors, forearm pronators, and forearm supinators. The flexors and extensors act on the elbow joint, while the pronators and supinators act on the radioulnar joints.
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...