A Person with a Long History of Polyarticular Rheumatoid Arthritis

Multiple Choice

A person with a long history of polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis is experiencing severe, dominant-side elbow pain that is interfering with personal grooming, light housework, and work-related responsibilities as a computer programmer.In addition to pain, physical findings include persistent synovitis despite ongoing medical management, limited elbow ROM, and complete loss of the joint space of the humeroulnar and humeroradial joints.Given these findings, this person is most likely a candidate for which of the following surgical procedures to relieve pain and improve daily function?

A) Synovectomy
B) Excision of the radial head coupled with prosthetic implant
C) Total elbow arthroplasty
D) Arthrodesis of the elbow