Neuropathic Arthropathy of the Elbow.
10.4055/jkoa.2008.43.6.677
- Author:
Ji Yeong KIM
1
;
Moon Sang CHUNG
;
Young Ho LEE
;
Seung Hwan RHEE
;
Hyun Sik GONG
;
Eun Seok SUH
;
Goo Hyun BAEK
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. ghbaek@snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Elbow;
Neuropathic arthropathy;
Syringomyelia
- MeSH:
Decompression;
Elbow;
Female;
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Joints;
Male;
Neurofibromatoses;
Olecranon Process;
Proprioception;
Range of Motion, Articular;
Surgical Procedures, Operative;
Syringomyelia;
Tabes Dorsalis;
Ulnar Nerve
- From:The Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
2008;43(6):677-684
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Neuropathic arthropathy of the elbow is extremely rare and is characterized by painless destruction of the joint due to diminished proprioception. We report five cases of neuropathic arthropathy of the elbow with review of pertinent literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed records of five patients who were diagnosed with neuropathic arthropathy of the elbow. There were three men and two women with a mean age of 38.6 years (range, thirteen to fifty years). The conditions associated with the arthropathy were three cases of syringomyelia, one tabes dorsalis, and one neurofibromatosis. One patient was conservatively treated and was followed periodically and others underwent operative procedures. The mean duration of follow-up was 8.5 years (range, one to nineteen years). Changes of symptoms, range of motion (ROM), and functional satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: The conservatively treated patient maintained the function of the elbow. In the surgically treated group, one case of ulnar nerve decompression and one case of osteosynthesis of the fractured olecranon showed improvement of symptoms, ROM, and function. But two patients who underwent reconstructive procedures had decreased ROM after complication of deep infection. Concluson: Neuropathic arthropathy of the elbow causes few functional problems despite of the radiologic destruction and instability of the elbow. Therefore symptomatic management is considered more preferable than surgical correction of destruction or instability of the elbow.
