[Post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the elbow joint : Endoprosthetic options in young patients].

BACKGROUND: In young patients, post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the elbow is a rare condition. Whereas clinical manifestations often differ from radiological findings, pain and stiffness are variably combined in symptomatic forms. In deciding whether to perform surgery, the patient's age, activity level, and symptoms, as well as the location and severity of the osteoarthritis have to be taken into account. Elbow joint instability has to be identified to stop the post-traumatic osteoarthritic progress. If joint preserving surgical methods fail, diverse options for partial or total joint replacement are available.

THERAPY: The treatment goal in young patients, therefore, is to reduce pain with a sufficient range of elbow motion.