Haemophilic elbow arthropathy treated with therapeutic arthroscopy – A haemophilia tertiary centre experience
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Elbow arthroscopy is a treatment option for advanced symptomatic arthropathy with few outcomes reported in the literature. Aim: This study determines the safety and short to long-term outcome of therapeutic elbow arthroscopy in haemophilic arthropathy of the elbow. Methods: Patients undergoing arthroscopy between 2005 and 2023 were included. Patients were treated by a multidisciplinary team comprising orthopaedic surgeon, haematologists, physiotherapists and allied professionals. All patients were assessed pre-operatively, intra-operatively and post-operatively with pain, range of motion (ROM), Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and EQ5D. Results: Fifteen elbows in 13 patients were managed with arthroscopy for symptomatic haemophilic arthropathy. Mean age was 44.1 ± 13.1 years. The median follow-up was seven years. Intra-operatively, flexion-extension and prono-supination improved by 35° and 26°, respectively. This gradually deteriorated with time, returning to pre-operative levels at approximately 2-5 years. HJHS improved by 2.5 points at six months, 1.67 at 12 months and returned to pre-operative levels at 2-5 years. EQ-VAS score deteriorated by 10.5 points at six months but improved by 19.1 at 12 months, by 10.1 at 2 years and by 14.4 at five years. There were no perioperative complications, the commonest complication was recurrence of stiffness, and two required arthroplasty in long term. Conclusion: Therapeutic arthroscopy is safe in advanced haemophilic elbow arthropathy. It shows potential benefit for function and quality of life in the short to medium term. Though there is a 33% risk of further surgery within 10 years, it should be considered an important adjunct to the multidisciplinary musculoskeletal care pathway in haemophilic elbow arthropathy, especially amongst a young patient cohort.
Source: Shoulder & Elbow
Language: English
Subfield: Hematology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7128469888