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ID PMID Title PublicationDate abstract
30043672 Small GTPase RAS in multiple sclerosis - exploring the role of RAS GTPase in the etiology 2020 Sep RAS: signaling is involved in the development of autoimmunity in general. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. It is widely recognized that a reduction of Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells is an immunological hallmark of MS, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In experimental autoimmune models, N-Ras and K-Ras inhibition triggers an anti-inflammatory effect up-regulating, via foxp3 elevation, the numbers and the functional suppressive properties of Tregs. Similarly, an increase in natural Tregs number during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in R-RAS -/- mice results in attenuated disease. In humans, only KRAS GTPase isoform is involved in mechanism causing tolerance defects in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). T cells from these patients have increased transcription of KRAS (but not NRAS). RAS genes are major drivers in human cancers. Consequently, there has been considerable interest in developing anti-RAS inhibitors for cancer treatment. Despite efforts, no anti-RAS therapy has succeeded in the clinic. The major strategy that has so far reached the clinic aimed to inhibit activated Ras indirectly through blocking its post-translational modification and inducing its mis-localization. The disappointing clinical outcome of Farnesyl Transferase Inhibitors (FTIs) in cancers has decreased interest in these drugs. However, FTIs suppress EAE by downregulation of myelin-reactive activated T-lymphocytes and statins are currently studied in clinical trials for MS. However, no pharmacologic approaches to targeting Ras proteins directly have yet succeeded. The therapeutic strategy to recover immune function through the restoration of impaired Tregs function with the mounting evidences regarding KRAS in autoimmune mediated disorder (MS, SLE, RA, T1D) suggest as working hypothesis the direct targeting KRAS activation using cancer-derived small molecules may be clinically relevant. ABBREVIATIONS: FTIs: Farnesyl Transferase Inhibitors; MS: Multiple Sclerosis; RRMS: Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis; PPMS: Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis; Tregs: regulatory T-cells; Foxp3: Forkhead box P3; EAE: Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis; T1D: Type 1 Diabete; SLE: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; RA: Rheumatoid Arthritis; CNS: Central Nervous System; TMEV: Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus; FTS: farnesyl thiosalicylic acid; TCR: T-Cell Receptor; AIA: Adjuvant-induced Arthritis; EAN: experimental autoimmune neuritis; HVR: hypervariable region; HMG-CoA: 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase; PBMC: Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.
30236152 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and dexamethasone additively suppress synovial fibroblast activation by CC 2018 Sep 20 BACKGROUND: Despite recent improvements in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an insufficient treatment response and the development of treatment resistance in many patients illustrates the need for new therapeutic strategies. Chronic synovial inflammation could be suppressed by targeting RA synovial fibroblast (RASF) activation by, for example, interleukin (IL)-17A-producing CCR6(+) T helper memory (memTh) cells. Here, we modulated this interaction by combining the active vitamin D metabolite 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) with dexamethasone (DEX) and explored the potential therapeutic applications. METHODS: CCR6(+) memTh cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy donors or treatment-naive early RA patients were cultured alone or with RASF from established RA patients for 3 days and treated with or without 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), DEX, or etanercept. Treatment effects were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry. RESULTS: 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), and to lesser extent DEX, reduced production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17A, IL-22, and interferon (IFN)γ in CCR6(+) memTh cells. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α was only inhibited by the combination of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and DEX. In contrast, DEX was the strongest inhibitor of IL-6, IL-8, and tissue-destructive enzymes in RASF. As a result, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and DEX additively inhibited inflammatory mediators in CCR6(+) memTh-RASF cocultures. Interestingly, low doses of mainly DEX, but also 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), combined with etanercept better suppressed synovial inflammation in this coculture model compared with etanercept alone. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and DEX additively inhibit synovial inflammation through targeting predominantly CCR6(+) memTh cells and RASF, respectively. Furthermore, low doses of DEX and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) enhance the effect of TNFα blockade in inhibiting RASF activation, thus providing a basis to improve RA treatment.
29724453 Trends of Informed Consent forms for industry-sponsored clinical trials in rheumatology ov 2018 Dec OBJECTIVE: To assess trends in the length and readability of informed consent forms (ICFs) for industry-sponsored multinational clinical trials (RCTs) in rheumatology over a 17-year period. Additionally, to assess the health literacy (HL) and perceptions of ICFs among participants of current RCTs. METHODS: The readability of ICFs conducted at an outpatient rheumatology clinic between 1999 and 2016 were assessed using the INFLESZ scale. Patients' HL was assessed using SALHSA-50 and STOFHLA. Patient opinions were assessed using a self-reported, in-office questionnaire with an independent patient sample who had signed an ICF in the past 6 months. RESULTS: Thirty-nine ICFs about 22 drugs from 13 pharmaceutical companies were analyzed. The global mean readability was 57 ± 3 (95% CI: 56-58), and all ICFs were categorized as either "somewhat difficult to read" or "average." Readability remained at these levels without significant changes from 1999 to 2016. The mean length of the ICFs written between 1999 and 2005 was 13 ± 5 pages, with a significant increase thereafter (mean 22 ± 8 pages, p = 0.004). Depending on the instrument, of 95 patients participating in the HL assessment, between 18% and 44% had limited HL. Of 90 patients participating in the perceptions questionnaire, 84% reported understanding the ICF well. However, 2-57% misunderstood basic concepts, including the study drug name and placebo. CONCLUSIONS: The disparity between the readability of ICFs with patients' HL and their comprehension of ICFs continues, even after decades of attempts of regulatory agencies and numerous published suggestions.
30013572 A Single Microorganism Epitope Attenuates the Development of Murine Autoimmune Arthritis: 2018 A single epitope of Leishmania analog of the receptors for activated C kinase (LACK) from Leishmania major, the polypeptide LACK(156-173), is recognized by Vβ4(+)/Vα8(+) T cells, and activate these cells that drives the subsequent T helper (Th)2 response. This study was undertaken to investigate the therapeutic potential of the LACK(156-173) epitope in murine autoimmune arthritis models. To explore the influence of the LACK(156-173) epitope on murine collagen antibody-induced arthritis, as well as its immunological mechanism, we vaccinated or treated mice with a LACK(156-173) epitope expression plasmid or polypeptide. The effect of LACK(156-173) epitope was then evaluated by clinical scores, histopathology, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Using flow cytometry, we measured the subsets and maturity of CD11c(+) dendritic cells (DCs), as well as T cell polarization, in co-culture experiments. We also measured cytokine gene expression and production. The murine macrophage-like cell line RAW264.7 was used to identify the receptor for the epitope. Vaccination or treatment of the mice with the LACK(156-173) epitope expression plasmid or polypeptide ameliorated the severity of arthritis. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the LACK(156-173) epitope improved the balance of effector T cells in synovial tissue compared to that in untreated arthritis controls. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 expression was diminished by LACK(156-173). The epitope also influenced T cell polarization by regulating the differentiation, maturation, and functions of CD11c(+) DCs and upregulating Jagged1 ligand expression. Blocking the mannose receptor (MR) significantly attenuated LACK(156-173) epitope-induced macrophage activation. Our data indicate that vaccination or treatment with a single microorganism epitope, LACK(156-173), is a highly efficient therapy for murine autoimmune arthritis. The therapeutic effects are mediated by the regulation of the differentiation, maturation, and functions of DCs via MR, resulting in the upregulation of Jagged1 expression and Th2 cell polarization. Our results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of the LACK(156-173) epitope in rheumatoid arthritis.
30118353 Tofacitinib for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. 2018 Sep Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are inflammatory immune-mediated conditions which can cause considerable disability and reduced quality of life. Management can be complex as clinical heterogeneity may lead to different treatment pathways. Tofacitinib is a novel, oral Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor with proven efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis. Areas covered: This review analyzes recent studies of tofacitinib in psoriatic disease treatment. The relevant literature was identified using clinicaltrials.gov, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Tofacitinib efficacy was demonstrated in PsA by the OPAL Broaden and OPAL Beyond phase-III studies, and received FDA and EMA approval. Tofacitinib was superior to placebo for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in the OPT Pivotal 1 and 2, OPT Retreatment studies, but FDA approval was declined for this indication based on issues of clinical efficacy and long-term safety. Expert commentary: Tofacitinib is an important oral drug for the treatment of PsA. However, the long-term safety data require further evaluation. Tofacitinib and other JAK inhibitors show potential to broaden the treatment options in PsA and other inflammatory conditions.
30409417 Regulatory B cells: New players in inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatic diseases. 2019 Jun OBJECTIVE: Regulatory B cells (Bregs) are a new subset of B cells with immunoregulatory functions, mainly through IL-10 production. Bregs suppress inflammatory Th1 and Th17 differentiation and induce Tregs suppressing autoimmune diseases. The aim of the study was to review the literature related to Bregs in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs). METHODS: A literature review of publications in PUBMED published in English was performed using the relevant combinations of terms. RESULTS: All relevant publications are discussed. Overall, recent studies in rheumatic diseases found Bregs to be decreased in ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV) and in systemic sclerosis (SSc), particularly in SSc-associated lung fibrosis. In AAV Bregs levels are negatively correlated with autoantibody levels whereas in SSc this association is less clear but there is an inverse association with Th1 and Th17 cells. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Bregs were decreased, particularly in RA-associated lung fibrosis. In psoriatic arthritis IL-10 + Bregs are decreased and inversely associated with Th1 and Th17 cells. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the role of Bregs is unclear. In experimental diseases, when Bregs were expanded ex-vivo, they ameliorated established disease. CONCLUSION: Bregs appear to be a new player in the pathogenesis of ARDs, and may offer a new strategy for therapeutic intervention.
30255411 [Improved early diagnostics of rheumatic diseases : Monocentric experiences with an open r 2018 Nov AIM OF THE PROJECT: To establish an open rheumatological outpatient consultation service for early diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic diseases and initiation of further diagnostics and treatment. METHODS: In 2015 an open consultation service was initiated for patients with signs of an early rheumatic disease after referral by primary care physicians. Patients could attend once a week without the need for a prior appointment if they fulfilled at least one of the following criteria: positive rheumatoid factor, increased CRP, anti-CCP antibody or antinuclear antibody, joint pain or back pain for over 3 months, swollen joints, fever of unknown origin or acute muscle pain with or without headache of unknown origin. This article presents the results of the retrospective descriptive data analysis of the first 2 years of this project. RESULTS: A total of 1262 patients were treated with an average of approximately 20 patients per consultation. In nearly half of the patients an inflammatory rheumatological disease could be diagnosed and immediate diagnostic and treatment measures could be initiated. The diagnostic delay for patients with rheumatoid arthritis was 12 weeks, for patients with polymyalgia rheumatica 11 weeks and for patients with psoriatic arthritis or axial spondylarthritis 18 and 44 weeks, respectively. The time expenditure was a total of 4-5 h per week for an experienced rheumatologist and a specialized rheumatology nurse. CONCLUSION: Through this open rheumatological outpatient consultation a low threshold opportunity for the early diagnosis of rheumatologic diseases could be established. The diagnostic delay for many rheumatological diseases could be considerably shortened. Cooperation with rheumatologists in private practice guaranteed the subsequent specialized rheumatological care of the identified patients in the early stages of their illness.
29542416 Bariatric Surgery and Rheumatic Diseases: A Literature Review. 2018 BACKGROUND: Obesity is a debilitating growing condition and represents a challenge for every surgeon. It is associated with the activation of the inflammatory pathway and this may have a negative impact on the natural history of some rheumatic diseases. Bariatric surgery, reducing obesity, could bring to a minor activation of the well-known inflammatory pathway with improvement of these diseases. The aim of this review is to investigate the role of weight loss, achieved through bariatric surgery, in rheumatic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of literature was undertaken to evaluate weight loss subsequent to bariatric surgery in obese patients suffering from some rheumatic diseases (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematous). Three major databases (PUBMED, EMBASE and WEB OF SCIENCE) were searched. RESULTS: Three-hundred studies were identified. After screening of titles, abstracts and inclusion criteria sixteen articles were included. Of the selected articles, seven were reviews, five were case reports, one was a clinical report, one was a retrospective study, one was a cohort study and one was an author manuscript. CONCLUSION: Weight loss, obtained through bariatric surgery, seems to reduce serum inflammatory markers as a consequence of the inflammatory pathway reduction and this is connected with both the improvement of some rheumatic diseases as well as with the reduction in the use of medicaments (steroids and immunosuppressors).
29387048 Infectious Agents and Inflammation: The Role of Microbiota in Autoimmune Arthritis. 2017 In higher vertebrates, mucosal sites at the border between the internal and external environments, directly interact with bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Through co-evolution, hosts developed mechanisms of tolerance or ignorance toward some infectious agents, because hosts established "gain of function" interactions with symbiotic bacteria. Indeed, some bacteria assist hosts in different functions, among which are digestion of complex carbohydrates, and absorption and supply of vitamins. There is no doubt that microbiota modulate innate and acquired immune responses starting at birth. However, variations in quality and quantity of bacterial species interfere with the equilibrium between inflammation and tolerance. In fact, correlations between gut bacteria composition and the severity of inflammation were first described for inflammatory bowel diseases and later extended to other pathologies. The genetic background, environmental factors (e.g., stress or smoking), and diet can induce strong changes in the resident bacteria which can expose the intestinal epithelium to a variety of different metabolites, many of which have unknown functions and consequences. In addition, alterations in gut permeability may allow pathogens entry, thereby triggering infection and/or chronic inflammation. In this context, a local event occurring at a mucosal site may be the triggering cause of an autoimmune reaction that eventually involves distant sites or organs. Recently, several studies attributed a pathogenic role to altered oral microbiota in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to gut dysbiosis in spondyloarthritis (SpA). There is also growing evidence that different drugs, such as antibiotics and immunosuppressants, can influence and be influenced by the diversity and composition of microbiota in RA and SpA patients. Hence, in complex disorders such RA and SpA, not only the genetic background, gender, and immunologic context of the individual are relevant, but also the history of infections and the structure of the microbial community at mucosal sites should be considered. Here the role of the microbiota and infections in the initiation and progression of chronic arthritis is discussed, as well as how these factors can influence a patient's response to synthetic and biologic immunosuppressive therapy.
28673091 Review of Primary Cutaneous Mucinoses in Nonlupus Connective Tissue Diseases. 2018 Jan/Feb Lichen myxedematosus is an idiopathic, cutaneous mucinosis with 2 clinicopathologic subsets. There is the generalised papular and sclerodermoid form, more properly termed scleromyxedema, and the localised papular form. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of lichen myxedematosus in association with rheumatoid arthritis as well as a case in association with dermatomyositis. An up-to-date literature review on cutaneous mucinoses and connective tissue diseases, excluding the common association of primary and secondary mucinoses with systemic lupus erythematosus, was also performed.
29319548 Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 Score and Psoriasis Quality of Life Assess Comp 2018 Sep BACKGROUND: Psoriasis Quality of Life (PQoL-12) is a validated composite tool assessing patients' quality of life (QoL) with psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3), measuring physical function, pain, and patient global assessment, is used for rheumatoid arthritis. Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 has not been used to assess PsO/PsA patients' QoL. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between PQoL-12 and RAPID3 in PsO and PsA patients in a cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. METHODS: Data came from PsO and PsA patients seen from 2008 to 2015 at Oregon Health & Science University (n = 558: 393 with PsO and 165 with PsA). Nonlinear least squares regressions modeled PQoL-12 with functions of RAPID3, controlling for time since first visit. Nonparametric ROC determined RAPID3 scores best correlating with PQoL-12 cutoffs. RESULTS: Among the PsO cohort, PQoL-12 was explained by RAPID3, the square of RAPID3, time since first visit, and the square of time since first visit; adjusted R = 0.414. For the PsA cohort, PQoL-12 was explained by RAPID3, change in slope of RAPID3 at 2.28, time since first visit, the square of time since first visit; adjusted R = 0.340. Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 cutoffs for PQoL-12 scores of 48 and 96 (mild and moderate QoL impairment) in PsO were 1.55 and 5.72 and in PsA were 1.89 and 6.34. CONCLUSIONS: Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 weakly correlated with PQoL-12, indicating these indices assess different aspects of PsO and PsA. Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 fails to capture mental health information that greatly impacts patients' QoL, whereas PQoL-12 fails to capture the physical and functional aspects of the disease. Results indicate the importance of capturing mental health assessment in order to create a comprehensive tool to measure how psoriatic disease affects patients' QoL.
30029795 Functional impairment measurement in psoriatic arthritis: Importance and challenges. 2018 Dec OBJECTIVES: Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) experience substantial physical impairment. This is commonly assessed using the patient-reported Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), which was originally developed in rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of this review is to examine the value and challenges of using the HAQ-DI in patients with PsA, and to discuss alternative measures of functional impairment in this condition. METHODS: A literature search was performed in the MEDLINE, BIOSIS Previews, Embase, Derwent Drug File, and SciSearch databases using relevant terms and key words. Additional references from personal libraries were identified by the authors. RESULTS: Although validated in PsA, the HAQ-DI has limitations, including marked floor effects, lack of responsiveness to treatment effects in later disease stages, and underestimation of physical impairment in patients whose symptoms are predominantly skin related. Nonetheless, it has been widely used in clinical trials of PsA treatment and is generally responsive to change with effective therapy, discriminating between active and placebo treatments. Other generic or arthritis-specific patient-reported questionnaires with a focus on physical impairment include the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Health Survey, the EuroQol-5D, the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales, and the Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3. There are currently no PsA-specific instruments to assess physical function, but health-related quality-of-life questionnaires with elements related to functional impairment include the PsA Quality of Life questionnaire, the PsA Impact of Disease questionnaire, and VITACORA-19. As the available measures of physical impairment may not reflect the impact of all aspects of PsA on a patient, additional health-related quality-of-life instruments, such as the Dermatology Life Quality Index, may be used in parallel to obtain a more complete picture of the disease burden. CONCLUSIONS: The HAQ-DI is a valuable assessment tool that clinicians should continue to use in clinical trials and practice. Because instruments to specifically assess physical function in patients with PsA are currently lacking, clinicians should consider using a combination of instruments to conduct the most thorough evaluation possible.
30296987 Overview of musculoskeletal ultrasound for the clinical rheumatologist. 2018 Sep Within the realm of rheumatology, the field of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) has grown exponentially over the last few decades. This review, aimed at the clinical rheumatologist, provides a basic overview of the principles of image generation and the commonly used clinical applications of MSUS, while also highlighting its advantages and limitations. In particular, the role of MSUS in the assessment of early and established rheumatoid arthritis, crystalline disease, the spondyloarthropathies and Sjögren's disease is discussed in more detail and by reviewing the pertinent literature.
30233757 Reactivation tuberculosis presenting with unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy. 2018 Dec Unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy has various benign and malignant etiologies. Although benign causes are more common, it is important to exclude malignant causes, including metastasis from primary breast carcinoma. Benign etiologies include reactive adenopathy, granulomatous disease, and collagen vascular disease. We present a case of unilateral right axillary lymphadenopathy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. The pathologic diagnosis of granulomatous lymphadenitis and interval discovery of patient's history of latent tuberculosis led to a second biopsy for special mycobacterial staining and cultures with a final diagnosis of reactivation tuberculosis. The extrapulmonary manifestation of reactivation tuberculosis with tuberculous lymphadenitis is uncommon and particularly rare in the axillary lymph nodes.
29643673 Incomplete form of Primary Hypertrophic Osteoarthropathy (Touraine-Solente-Gole Syndrome) 2018 Apr The primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (PHOA) (pachydermoperiostosis) is a rare genetic/hereditary disease characterized by skin changes (pachydermia), clubbing of fingers and periosteal thickening (periostitis) with sub-periosteal new bone formation. Here we describe a case of an adolescent male who presented with clubbing and polyarthralgia. On evaluation with scintigraphy and SPECT-CT, he was diagnosed to have incomplete form of PHOA(skeletal manifestations without skin changes). The identification of incomplete form of primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy which can be easily misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis is discussed here.
29380164 Correction to: Effect of daily low dose prednisone, divided or single daily dose, in the t 2018 Apr One of the author's name on this article was incorrectly spelled as "Shuling Li". The correct spelling is "Shuling Liu" and is now presented correctly in this article.
30949000 Successful treatment of atopic dermatitis with the JAK1 inhibitor oclacitinib. 2018 Oct We report the first case of atopic dermatitis successfully treated with the oral Janus kinase-1 (JAK1) inhibitor oclacitinib. A man in his 70s, with a 6-year history of skin disease refractory to topical and biologic therapies, self-prescribed this veterinary medication with rapid remission of symptoms. He has remained in remission for 7 months with no reported adverse side effects or infections. JAK1 plays a central role in expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which play an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Ruxolitinib and tofacitinib are JAK inhibitors currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of myelofibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis in humans. Oclacitinib is not currently indicated for use in humans.
29898766 Correction to: Adiponectin aggravates bone erosion by promoting osteopontin production in 2018 Jun 13 Unfortunately, after publication of this article [1], it was noticed that the panel for Fig. 4b was inadvertently obscured during the production process. The full, correct Fig. 4 can be seen below and the original article has been corrected to reflect this.
30591871 Endoscopic Synovectomy of the Ulnar Bursa of the Palm of the Hand. 2018 Dec Synovitis of the ulnar bursa is associated with tenosynovitis of the flexor tendons. Reported causes include suppurative or tuberculous infection, rheumatoid arthritis, and pigmented villonodular synovitis. Open synovectomy requires extensive soft-tissue dissection and may result in extensive scarring. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe the technical details of endoscopic synovectomy of the ulnar bursa of the palm of the hand. This minimally invasive approach with small incisions allows aggressive postoperative hand therapy and avoids the complications of tendon adhesions, joint contractures, and hand stiffness.
30377583 Handheld Osteotomes Facilitate Arthroscopic Elbow Osteophyte Removal. 2018 Oct Arthroscopic elbow surgery is a challenging procedure in part because of the limited intra-articular volume of the joint, the congruence of the elbow articulation, and the close proximity of the neurovascular structures. Arthritic conditions that result in the development of bony prominences and osteophytes are usually amenable to arthroscopic management and include diagnoses such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and valgus extension overload syndrome. Safe and efficient removal of these osteophytes can be problematic, however, because of technical difficulties often encountered while using arthroscopic burrs and shavers as well as the risks of inadvertent, iatrogenic injury to adjacent articular cartilage and other structures. A valuable and effective technique using small handheld osteotomes to facilitate the arthroscopic removal of intra-articular osteophytes and other bony prominences is described and shown.