Debridement arthroplasty for osteoarthrosis of the elbow: 50 patients followed mean 5 years.

The characteristics and surgical outcome of debridement arthroplasty were investigated in athletes and manual laborers with osteoarthrosis of the elbow. There were 26 elbows in athletes, and 24 elbows in laborers. The mean age was 32 years in athletes and 50 years in laborers. The osteoarthrosis was mainly mild in athletes, but moderate or severe in laborers. Debridement arthroplasty, consisting of resection, osteophytes and removal of loose bodies, was performed in all cases. The medial approach was most frequently employed. Surgery relieved pain and improved range of motion at an average follow-up of 59.5 months. Evaluation of the long-term outcomes at more than 5 years showed recurrence of mild osteoarthrosis with minimal symptoms. Debridement arthroplasty is an effective treatment in athletes and manual laborers with osteoarthrosis of the elbow.