This may present in acute, subacute or chronic form. Diagnosis may be made by systematic examination, laboratory investigations and X rays. Tuberculous arthritis of the elbow - This is much less common. Degenerative Conditions Osteoarthritis of the elbow - an entity very seldom seen. Usually it is secondary to a fracture involving the elbow.
Diagnosis is by X ray.
Osteochondritis Dessicans of the elbow - This painful elbow is characterised by necrosis of the part of the articular cartilage and of the underlying bone, causing separation of a fragment which forms intraarticular loose body. Thrombosis of an end artery is thought to be responsible for the necrosis. The main feature is recurrent haemarthrosis, intra articular haemorrhage, leading to degeneration of the elbow, apparently without any major injury. Diagnostic features are, delayed blood clotting time, history of previous bleeding, Haemophilia in the family. Rheumatoid Arthritis of the elbow - One or both elbows may be affected, also several other joints as well in conjunction.