Elbow Bone Spurs (Osteophytes)

Elbow bone spurs are smooth, bony projections that develop along the edges of the elbow joint, often as the body attempts to repair damaged cartilage.

Symptoms

• Dull, aching, or sharp joint pain
• Reduced range of motion or stiffness
• Catching, clicking, or locking sensations
• Localized swelling and tenderness
• Numbness or tingling if nearby nerves are compressed

Causes

• Joint degeneration from osteoarthritis
• Repetitive throwing, lifting, or overhead motions
• Previous elbow fractures, dislocations, or traumatic injuries

Risk Factors

• Aging and natural joint wear
• Participation in repetitive-motion sports (baseball, tennis)
• Manual labor involving heavy lifting
• Pre-existing inflammatory arthritis

Diagnosis

Our upper extremity specialists perform a comprehensive clinical evaluation, assessing joint mobility and pain points, supplemented by high-resolution X-rays or MRI scans to pinpoint spur size and location.

Treatment

• Conservative: Rest, activity modification, physical therapy, NSAIDs, and targeted corticosteroid injections.
• Surgical: Minimally invasive arthroscopy or open excision to remove spurs and restore full joint mechanics when non-surgical care is insufficient.