Elbow joint arthritis is a condition characterized by loss of smooth lining of the joint leading to painful range of movement, stiffness and reduced ability to perform daily activities. This can occur as a result of trauma (post-traumatic), age related wear and tear (osteoarthritis), inflammatory pathology (rheumatoid elbow), etc. The early symptoms can be managed with combination of painkillers, physical activity, intra-articular injections. However, severe arthritis will need some sort of surgical intervention. Your surgeon may offer you various surgical options based on the degree of damage, severity of symptoms and functional demand which may range from a minimally invasive keyhole surgery to an open procedure such as interposition arthroplasty or a total elbow replacement.