Elbow replacement

The elbow is a hinge joint consisting of three bones. The surfaces of these bones are normally very smooth. Certain conditions and injuries may damage the surfaces of these bones and cause pain. In an elbow replacement an artificial hinge is inserted into the joint so that the elbow can be moved without causing pain.

Elbow replacement surgery involves the replacement of an elbow joint. It is recommended for people who suffer from arthritis or a result of a severe injury, and who have tried nonsurgical treatments (medication, exercises) without success. They usually have been diagnosed with diseases that cause bone degeneration (e.g. osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis), a severe elbow fracture, or a tumour around the elbow tissue. If they have severe pain in the elbow joint, find it difficult to do activities that require raising the arm, and medications and exercise did not relieve their pain, they are likely candidates for an elbow replacement surgery.

The surgery

During the surgery the surgeon makes an incision and exposes the elbow joint. The incision is usually in the back of the arm. The surgeon removes the damaged tissues of the joint, and then inserts artificial joint stems into the bones that make up the elbow joint. A special kind of cement for bones is injected into the canals to help hold the stems in place. Finally the surgeon attaches the joint stems with a hinge. The incision is closed with sutures and bandaged. The arm may be placed in a splint to keep it from moving.

Complications and risks

The risks of ankle replacement surgery are similar to those of other operations: allergic reactions to anaesthesia, bleeding, infection, scarring, swelling, or bruising.

Additional risks of elbow replacement surgery are: allergic reaction to the implant, blood vessel or nerve damage during the surgery, dislocation or the loosening of the implant.

You can avoid most complications by choosing the right surgeon and following pre- and postoperative instructions.