In an elbow replacement, the ends of the bones that come together in the elbow will be removed and replaced with
an artificial joint made of metal and hard plastic
.
What is the success rate of elbow replacement surgery?
Results showed a survivorship rate without revision of 94% at 5 years and
of 75% at 10 years
. Younger patients who underwent total elbow arthroplasty had a survivorship rate without revision of 94% at 5 years and 75% at 10 years, according to results.
Are elbow replacements successful?
Although elbow joint replacement is much less common than knee or hip replacement, it is
just as successful in relieving joint pain
and returning people to activities they enjoy.
How long does it take to recover from an elbow replacement?
Recovery from elbow replacement surgery takes
about three months
. After healing from elbow replacement surgery, many people have less pain in the elbow with better mobility and function. Your doctor may tell you to avoid activities such as heavy lifting and contact sports after an elbow replacement.
How common is elbow replacement?
Pain is the most common reason people choose to have elbow replacement surgery.
Over 3,000 people in the U.S. have elbow replacement surgery annually
, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
How difficult is elbow surgery?
Elbow surgery can be challenging, not only because the
elbow is relatively small and complex
, but also because patients need long-lasting, durable treatments. Surgical options are considered only when medications and other measures don’t relieve severe joint pain and loss of motion.
Does elbow surgery hurt?
Some discomfort after elbow surgery is to be expected, though
the pain is usually dulled for several hours immediately following the surgery
. Patients are instructed to take pain relievers as directed in order to control soreness of the arm and elbow.
Why would you need an elbow replacement?
Your elbow can be damaged by problems ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to traumatic fractures. In some cases, the damage can be surgically repaired. But if the damage is extensive, your doctor might recommend elbow replacement surgery.
Pain
is the most common reason people choose to have elbow replacement surgery.
What happens after elbow replacement surgery?
Your elbow area may
feel warm and tender
for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. The swelling should go down during this time. For the first week after surgery, you may have a soft splint on your arm to hold your elbow in place. After the incision has healed, you may need to use a harder splint or brace that has a hinge.
How safe is elbow surgery?
Conclusion: The complications encountered in our series are well within the limits of earlier reports and show that with
only a 0.5% rate of major complications
, elbow arthroscopy is a relatively safe procedure for a wide variety of indications when performed in a standardized fashion.
How long after elbow surgery can I drive?
Driving After Arthroscopic Surgery (Key-Hole Elbow & Shoulder Surgery) If you have had key-hole surgery where no tendon or ligaments have needed repair, immediate movement is encouraged and you can drive once physically able. On average most people return to driving
around 4 weeks following surgery
.
How long does elbow surgery take?
The whole operation
may take a couple of hours
. In general, you can expect the following: You will receive general anesthesia, so that you’ll sleep through the operation and won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. (Or, you may receive a local anesthesia and a medicine to help you relax.)
Can arthritis be removed from elbow?
Elbow arthrodesis
(fusion)
In this procedure, your surgeon removes the diseased cartilage and fuses the bones in the affected joint. This provides stability and decreases pain. This is sometimes the only option for young patients with high demand jobs who have severe arthritis in the elbow.
How do you fix arthritis in the elbow?
- Cut back on activity. Osteoarthritis may be caused by the repetitive overuse of the joint. …
- Pain management. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide short-term pain relief. …
- Physical therapy. Applying heat or cold to the elbow and gentle exercises may be prescribed.
What can you do after elbow surgery?
- Rest when you feel tired. …
- Try to walk each day. …
- Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay.
- You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. …
- Ask your doctor when you can drive again.
Can cartilage be replaced in the elbow?
For patients with larger lesions, catching or locking of the elbow, or persistent symptoms despite non-operative treatment, surgery may be indicated. The surgical treatment options vary widely and range from simple arthroscopic debridement to fixation to
partial replacement
of the cartilage/bone with a graft.
