Haemophilic Elbow Arthropathy: Mechanisms, Management and Future Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Hematology

Background:

• Haemophilic elbow arthropathy (HEA) significantly impacts quality of life in people with haemophilia (PwH).
• The condition's insidious onset and the body's compensatory mechanisms often mask its severity, delaying crucial interventions.
• Irreversible joint damage can occur if HEA is not recognized early.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated overview of Haemophilic Elbow Arthropathy (HEA).
• To discuss current knowledge, treatment strategies, and future directions for HEA management.
• To highlight the importance of early detection and intervention.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases.
• Keywords included haemophilia, elbow arthropathy, range of motion, physiotherapy, and surgical interventions.
• The review synthesized findings from 45 selected articles, organized around key themes of elbow function, mobility loss, monitoring, physiotherapy, surgical options, and future perspectives.

Main Results:

• HEA substantially diminishes the quality of life for people with haemophilia (PwH).
• Early detection, precise monitoring, and targeted physiotherapy are vital for slowing disease progression and optimizing function.
• Surgical interventions are reserved for advanced HEA cases unresponsive to conservative management.
• Technological advancements, including telemedicine, offer new ways to improve care and support patient self-management.

Conclusions:

• Haemophilic elbow arthropathy (HEA) is a progressive and frequently overlooked condition.
• Early detection, consistent monitoring, and tailored physiotherapy are essential to prevent irreversible joint damage.
• Proactive management strategies are crucial for improving the quality of life for individuals with haemophilia.