Elbow Replacement Surgery- Learn About The Process

If your elbow is stiff or constantly causes pain from arthritis, you need elbow replacement surgery. Only surgical treatment will alleviate your aching sensation and restore the motion of your elbow. Learn more about the process and other details of elbow replacement surgery in India.

When Do You Need Elbow Replacement?

The elbow joint is known for bringing together 3 bones- the radius, ulna, and humerus. Cartilage is a special structure to cover the ends of the bones. As its surface is smooth, bones can glide against each other. It leads to damage to your cartilage or bones. You may feel chronic pain, stiffness, and swelling of your joint.

Successful surgery will reduce your pain and restores your elbow's range of motion. So, patients with chronic pain in their elbows need surgical treatment. Surgery is the only alternative when physical therapy and medications do not work. The most common conditions that need surgery are

• Cracked and broken elbow bones

• Worn-down cartilage- Osteoarthritis 

• Inflamed joints- An autoimmune disease known as rheumatoid arthritis

Elbow Replacement Process-

Most surgical processes involve total elbow replacement. The surgeon uses plastic or metal hinges for your artificial elbow joint. Prosthesis used for this surgery can be of 2 types.

Linked prosthesis- It is a loose hinge but ensures joint stability.

Unlinked- It is another prosthesis found in separate pieces not linked to each other.

The surgeon may also replace only a part of your joint. For instance, if the damage signs occur only in a particular section (radial head) of the forearm bones, the surgeon will replace it when an artificial component. 

When you want total elbow replacement, the bones' ends coming together will get reshaped. Rigid tubes of bones have a soft centre. The artificial pieces have slender ends fitted into your bone's soft part.

If the adjacent ligament is weak and cannot retain the joint, the surgeon uses a cap. It prevents artificial implants from getting disconnected. 

Orthopaedic surgeons perform elbow replacement surgery to solve various issues with your joints and bones. Some surgeons are specialised in conducting the surgical process for your forearms, elbows, hands, and wrists. They will make an incision of around 6 inches in your elbow's backside to replace the damaged joint. The remaining bones will hold your new joint.

Elbow replacement surgery benefits you in several ways-

• Improved joint movements

• Reduced joint ache

• Better quality of life

So, you can do your everyday activities after undergoing surgery.

How To Prepare For Elbow Replacement Surgery-

Before scheduling surgery, your surgeon will evaluate your condition. He will check your symptoms and conduct a physical test. Computerised tomography or X-rays of elbows are also a part of the diagnosis. 

You can ask a few questions to the surgeon.

• Which elbow implant is best for me?

• How will I manage my pain during the post-surgery period?

• Will I limit my physical activities after surgery?

The surgery team will ask whether you are ready for this surgical treatment.

You must not take any medications before undergoing surgery. The surgeon will ask you to avoid arthritis medications, aspirin, blood thinners, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

During the recovery period, your arms may have limited mobility. That is why you should keep your household items and essentials within your reach.

Does elbow replacement cause any risk?

Although elbow replacement surgery is effective and safe for most people, there are some risks and limitations. In a few cases, this surgery does not alleviate your pain or restore the strength of your joints.

Other side effects of this process are-

• Fracture- Your elbow joint bones may break after or during surgery.

• Implant loosening- Though the surgeon uses durable components for elbow replacement, they can become loose.

• Infection- The incision site may have an infection. In severe cases, you need surgery to cure the condition.

• Nerve damage- There is an injury risk in the nerves where the surgeon has placed the implant. Nerve damage will cause pain, weakness, and numbness.

Recovering From Surgery

It takes around 3 months to recover from elbow surgery. After full recovery, you will feel less pain in your elbow. Besides, your elbow joints will function better. Your doctor will ask you to avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting. The weight you lift must not be heavier than 7 lbs. You should always be careful to prevent any damage to the elbow. Your surgeon will give you more instructions on how to recover faster from elbow surgery.

Does Elbow Replacement Give A Permanent Solution?

The period for which your elbow replacement lasts is different for every person. But, most commonly, it lasts for 10 years. It will then start wearing out slowly. You need to undergo surgery once again.

Although your surgery is successful, you should visit the clinic for a follow-up. Your doctor will check your condition during every visit.