Further therapy options | Physiotherapy for elbow arthrosis

Further therapy options

A bandage can be a useful supplement in the therapy of elbow arthrosis. There are two types of supports: The most important difference to an orthosis is that the support allows more freedom of movement, so that the application is not primarily about immobilizing the joint. The aim of using a bandage is to protect, relieve and stabilize the elbow joint and to protect it from overstrain.

The compression pressure created by the bandage also helps to relieve pain and promote better body awareness.Small pads made of gel, which are worked into the bandage, massage the underlying tissue during movement and thus promote blood circulation.

• One consists of elastic bands which are wrapped around the affected joint by a specialist.
• Or a prefabricated bandage made of a compression knitted fabric. They are made of strong, stretchable material, which is applied around the affected area.

If the elbow joint is severely impaired in its mobility by the arthrosis or if major complications occur, surgery may be necessary.

There are basically two surgical options: Arthrodesis: In this procedure, damaged cartilage tissue and other structures are removed by a minimally invasive procedure, so that the adjacent bones can grow together. The surgeon fixes the bones using metal plates and screws, which are removed again after the bones have grown together. The disadvantage of this procedure is that although the pain is improved, the movement of the elbow remains severely restricted afterwards.

Elbow prosthesis: If the damage to the elbow joint is too great, it may be necessary to replace the joint artificially. Although the healing process after such an elbow plastic surgery is relatively long, the affected persons usually have a much better range of motion and less pain afterwards, so that a normal everyday life is possible again without major restrictions.

1. Arthrodesis: In this procedure, damaged cartilage tissue and other structures are removed by a minimally invasive procedure, so that the adjacent bones can grow together.

   The surgeon fixes the bones using metal plates and screws, which are removed after the bones have grown together. The disadvantage of this procedure is that although the pain is improved, the movement of the elbow remains severely restricted afterwards.

2. Elbow prosthesis: If the damage to the elbow joint is too great, it may be necessary to replace the joint artificially. Although the healing process after such an elbow plastic surgery is relatively long, the affected persons usually have much better freedom of movement and less pain afterwards, so that a normal everyday life is possible again without major restrictions.