Signs of instability of the elbow due to ligament injuries include pain when supporting yourself or trying to lift objects with an outstretched arm, as well as when straining the outer and inner elbow. Elbow instability is often caused by degenerative injuries to the ligaments in the elbow or is the result of accidents.

It is crucial that an elbow ligament injury is recognised. An MRI can be used to diagnose whether there is damage to the ligaments. Sometimes, however, an arthroscopy of the elbow is the only way to make an accurate diagnosis. Depending on the findings, conservative treatment measures can be helpful in the event of instability. If these are not sufficient or if there is chronic instability, the ligament can also be tightened, sutured or reconstructed as required as part of the arthroscopy. The use of the body’s own stem cells can support healing. Post-operative physiotherapy and, if necessary, treatment with a movement orthosis.

Cartilage protects the bone in the joint from abrasion. However, if the cartilage is damaged, it cracks, becomes thin or uneven. As a result, the cartilage mass in the elbow loses its protective function. Circulatory disorders can lead to cartilage-bone damage in the elbow. The pieces of cartilage and bone can break off and become free joint bodies in the joint. Cartilage damage or free joint bodies in the elbow lead to severe pain and symptoms of entrapment.

An orthopaedic specialist can make an exact diagnosis using an MRI. Depending on the findings, conservative treatment measures can help. This can include rest, but also medication and infiltrations as well as blood circulation stimulants.

If pieces of cartilage and bone have become detached, they can be removed by arthroscopy. Where the cartilage bone has broken off, replacement cartilage can be created during the arthroscopy by means of microfracturing. During microfracturing, the former bearing is drilled into with special instruments. This leads to bleeding. This in turn flushes stem cells to the surface, which over time form and give rise to so-called fibrocartilage. This replacement cartilage eventually takes over the function of the actual, genuine cartilage mass. If the cartilage damage in the elbow is already deep-seated, replacement with a fleece or a mosaicplasty (OACT) may be the appropriate treatment. For this, cylinders are punched out of healthy cartilage and bone areas and inserted into the defective cartilage or bone. In the case of larger defects in the cartilage of the elbow, a cartilage cell transplant may also be advisable.

The elbow reacts sensitively to overloading. Pain when lifting or gripping and tenderness on the outside or inside of the elbow are common. Also known as tennis elbow or golf elbow, overloading the elbow leads to painful inflammation. The reason for this is the overloading of the tendons. An orthopaedic specialist can diagnose this damage to the elbow with the help of a detailed examination using ultrasound and MRI. If there is inflammation, physiotherapy, medication, the body’s own stem cells, taping or rest can help. Surgery is only rarely necessary.

Ulnar nerve compression syndrome is one of the most common bottleneck syndromes in humans. Named after the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inside of the elbow, this nerve is also affected. Pressure relief and conservative treatment methods work very well here, and surgery is only rarely necessary.

Osteoarthritis in the elbow joint is often only noticed late due to pain. This is because the elbow joint is not a weight-bearing joint. All three partial joints of the elbow can be affected by osteoarthritis. The radial head can also develop osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis of the elbow joint is caused by degeneration or accidents. Without surgery, physiotherapy measures and injections can often provide relief. If these treatment methods are not sufficient, arthroscopic surgery can be considered. In this minimally invasive procedure, free joint bodies, uneven cartilage, bony protrusions or inflamed joint mucosa can be removed. An elbow prosthesis is only rarely necessary.