Kinematic changes in elbow osteoarthritis: in vivo and 3-dimensional analysis using computed tomographic data

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics
• Radiology

Background:

• Elbow osteoarthritis (OA) affects joint function.
• Understanding in vivo kinematics is crucial for OA management.
• Radiocapitellar joint integrity may influence elbow OA progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate in vivo 3D kinematics in different elbow osteoarthritis (OA) states.
• Hypothesize preserved kinematics in OA with normal radiocapitellar joints (OAN).
• Hypothesize abnormal kinematics in OA with degenerative radiocapitellar changes (OAD).

Main Methods:

• Examined 7 normal, 7 OAN, and 9 OAD elbows.
• Utilized computed tomography (CT) registration for 3D kinematics.
• Generated 3D bone models from CT data to assess osteophyte location.

Main Results:

• OAN elbows showed kinematics similar to normal elbows.
• OAD elbows exhibited altered ulna motion (4° varus during flexion, 2° valgus during extension).
• OAD elbows demonstrated a 9° change in the axis of elbow motion, with extensive osteophyte formation.

Conclusions:

• Normal elbow kinematics are preserved in OAN.
• OAD significantly alters elbow motion, particularly during extension.
• Osteophyte formation correlates with kinematic changes in the elbow joint.