Arthroscopic debridement for osteoarthritis of the elbow: Results and analysis of predictive factors

Osteoarthritis is the second most frequent cause of elbow stiffness, after trauma sequelae. Surgical treatment mainly consists of debridement. The main aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of arthroscopic treatment of osteoarthritis of the elbow on Andrews-Carson score. Secondary objectives comprised assessment of the impact of associated procedures and of epidemiological factors on functional results.

A prospective multicenter study involving 8 centers, in a symposium held by the French Society of Arthroscopy (SFA), included patients treated by arthroscopy for primary or secondary osteoarthritis of the elbow between January 2017 and March 2018, with a minimum 6 months' follow-up. Clinical assessment was based on change in Andrews-Carson functional score (AC), specific to osteoarthritis of the elbow, and on other functional scores: QuickDash (QD), Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation (PREE), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and Self-Evaluation Elbow (SEE). Progression in pain on visual analog scale (VAS) and range of motion (RoM) was also assessed. Initial imaging work-up comprised standard X-ray and CT arthrography; paraclinical follow-up was based on X-ray. The impact of the following procedures associated to arthroscopic debridement was analyzed: radial head resection, ulnar nerve release, humeral fenestration, lateral ramp release, and medial collateral ligament posterior bundle release. The functional impact of epidemiological factors (age, handedness, manual occupation, smoking, body-mass index, and work accident/occupational disease status) and radiographic factors (foreign bodies, joint impingement, osteophytes, and fossa filling) was also assessed.

The series comprised 87 patients: 75 male (86.2%); mean age, 49 years (range, 18-73 years). Arthroscopic debridement significantly improved all functional scores at a minimum 6 months, and notably the specific AC score: 113.6±25.4 (40-180) versus 178.7±20.2 (110-200) (P<0.0001). Pain diminished significantly: 6.4±2.1 (0-10) versus 1.7±1.8 (0-8) (P<0.0001). RoM increased significantly: flexion/extension, 93.44±20.5° (5-130°) versus 124.2±13.8° (90-160°) (P<0.0001); pronation/supination, 147.6±25.6° (60-180°) versus 162.5±20.6° (100-180°) (P<0.0001). Strength (kg) increased in flexion (8.8±4.0 (4 to 20) versus 15.3±5.1 (3 to 32) (P<0.0008) and in grip [33.1±12.3 (10 to 58) versus 42.1±14.0 (2 to 68) (P<0.0001)]. Epidemiologically, males showed better recovery than females for both pain and strength. There was a significant positive impact of manual work on functional recovery, pain and also strength. There was a significant negative impact of work-accident/occupational disease on pain and strength. Regarding associated procedures, lateral ramp debridement improved AC score, with a gain of 75.4±25.3 points (-5 to 110) vs. 49.6±23.5 (10 to 100) (P<0.0001), and pain on VAS, with a fall of -5.6±2.1 points (-10 to -1) vs. -3.6±3.0 (-8.5 to 1) (P=0.0013). Ulnar nerve release, radial head resection and humeral fenestration had no positive impact. Preoperative foreign body was a factor for good prognosis. Cartilage wear, especially in the humeroulnar compartment, was associated with poorer functional results.

Arthroscopic treatment of osteoarthritis of the elbow significantly improved clinical results at 6 months, with significant improvements in functional scores, pain, strength and range of motion. Gender, type of work and work-accident/occupational disease status influenced clinical results. Lateral ramp release is an often overlooked technical factor improving functional results. Radiologically, the best candidates are those presenting with a foreign body and no humeroulnar impingement.

III, Prospective observational multicenter cohort study.