Tuberculosis affecting the upper limbs is less common than the lower extremities, with the elbow being the most common site of infection, accounting for 2-5% of skeletal locations. Its initial presentation is usually pain and swelling surrounding the affected joint with loss of motion. Early diagnosis is often difficult in the elbow and as such it is common for this form of tuberculosis to degenerate into irreversible osteo-articular involvement.

Much like joints of the lower body, the elbow advances through a number of stages of progression and if treatment is not forthcoming it can lead to gross disorganisation of the joint. Initial symptoms usually include synovitis, with noticeable swelling to the soft tissue and osteoporosis in the bone surrounding the joint. This can subsequently progress to lesion or cavity formation in the involved bone; with the elbow this could include adjacent long bones including the olecranon. The final stages follow a similar pattern to the lower extremities with joint space narrowing and finally gross disorganisation of the joint. Sequestrum may also be present in tuberculosis of the elbow and soft tissue sinuses are common in the overlying skin in advanced cases.

Treatments for this form of TB at Stannington were largely in keeping with sanatorium therapy, providing a good diet, plenty of rest and fresh air. Splints could be applied to the arm to immobilise the elbow but this was not always used at Stannington.

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