An outline of the current orthopaedic management of haemophilic disease of the upper limb.

There remains a relative paucity in the literature regarding upper limb manifestations of haemophilic arthropathy. Haemophilia has a wide range of clinical manifestations, often presenting with orthopaedic complications. These arise from multiple haemarthroses which exact a cumulative toll on the fabric of the joints. Although the lower limbs are predominantly affected due to their load-bearing nature, upper limb disease is common. This arises from the mechanical demands on the upper limb as the elbow and shoulder become partially weight bearing on use of walking aids such as elbow crutches.