arrow
Return

Haemophilic Elbow Arthropathy: Mechanisms, Management and Future Perspectives

delete2025-12-01
delete0
delete
OA
AI
S
Sébastien Lobet *
O
Olivier Barbier
C
Catherine Lambert
D
Dorian Lippens
C
Cédric Hermans
X
Xavier Libouton
DOI:10.1111/hae.70178delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Introduction Haemophilic elbow arthropathy (HEA) causes pain, limits mobility, and impairs upper limb function, often unrecognised until irreversible damage has occurred.Aims This narrative review sought to provide an updated overview of the current state of HEA knowledge, treatment approaches, and future perspectives.Methods We searched the PubMed/Medline, Embase and Scopus (through April 2025) databases for English articles using a combination of controlled vocabulary and free-text keywords related to haemophilia, elbow arthropathy, range of motion, physiotherapy, surgical interventions, and joint assessment. The review was organised around six key themes: normal function of the elbow, progressive loss of its mobility and functionality, monitoring, role of physiotherapy and exercise, invasive solutions, and future perspectives. A total of 60 articles were retrieved, 45 of which were examined in depth.Results HEA significantly affects the quality of life of people with haemophilia (PwH). Its insidious onset, coupled with the body's ability to compensate, frequently obscures the severity of mobility loss, leading to delayed interventions and irreversible joint damage. Early detection, precise monitoring, and targeted physiotherapy are crucial to slowing down disease progression and optimising functional outcomes. Surgical interventions are considered only in advanced-stage HEA, and are typically reserved for cases where conservative treatments have proven insufficient. Technological and telemedicine advances provide novel avenues to optimise care and promote patient self-management.Conclusions HEA is a progressive, often overlooked condition that reduces quality of life in PwH, highlighting the need for early detection, monitoring, and targeted physiotherapy to prevent irreversible joint damage.
Keywords:
arthroscopic synovectomy
exercise
haemophilic elbow arthropathy
monitoring
physiotherapy
radiosynovectomy

Journal

Haemophilia cover
Haemophilia
IF:
3
Papers:
5.8K
Citations:
7.1K

Organization

U
universite catholique louvain
Scholars:
2.0W
Papers: 1.7W
Citations: 21
C
Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc
Scholars:
3.9K
Papers: 3.3K
Citations: 7