Reviewed By C. Benjamin Ma MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF… Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.more »
Definition
Elbow replacement is surgery to replace the bones of the elbow joint with artificial joint parts (prosthetics).
Alternative Names
Total elbow arthroplasty; Endoprosthetic elbow replacement
Description
The elbow joint is made up of 2 bones: 1 from the upper arm (the humerus) and 1 from the lower arm (the ulna). The artificial elbow joint has 2 stems made of high-quality metal. A metal and plastic hinge joins the stems together and allows the artificial joint to bend. Artificial joints come in different sizes to fit different-size people.
You may receive general anesthesia before surgery. This means you will be unconscious and unable to feel pain. You may receive regional anesthesia instead. You will be awake, but your arm will be numb so that you will not feel pain. If you receive regional anesthesia, you will also be given medicine to help you relax during the operation.
Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) to expose your elbow joint. Usually this incision is made in the back of the upper and lower arm.
Your surgeon will remove the sections of the humerus and the ulna that make up your elbow joint. Any damaged tissue will also be removed.
Then your surgeon will drill out part of the center of the humerus and ulna. An end of the artificial joint stems will be inserted into each bone.
Usually, bone cement is used to hold the stems in place.
Next, your surgeon will attach the 2 stems together with the hinge.
Your incision will be closed with sutures (stitches). It will be bandaged, and your arm may be placed in a splint to keep it stable.
Why the Procedure Is Performed
Elbow replacement surgery is usually done if the elbow joint is badly damaged and you have pain or cannot use your arm. Some causes of damage are:
Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of your surgery.
If you have diabetes, heart disease, or other medical conditions, your surgeon will ask you to see your doctor who treats you for these conditions.
Tell your doctor if you have been drinking a lot of alcohol, more than 1 or 2 drinks a day.
If you smoke, try to stop. Ask your doctor or nurse for help. Smoking can slow down wound and bone healing.
Always let your doctor know about any cold, flu, fever, herpes breakout, or other illness you may have before your surgery.
On the day of your surgery:
You will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 to 12 hours before the procedure.
Take your drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.
Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.
After the Procedure
You may stay in the hospital for up to 3 or 4 days.
You may have a splint on your arm to help stabilize your elbow. Your doctor will prescribe physical therapy to help you gain strength and use of your arm. Physical therapy will start with gentle flexing exercises. People who have a splint usually start therapy a few weeks later than those who do not have a splint.
Some people may start to have use of their new elbow as soon as 12 weeks after surgery. But complete recovery can take up to a year.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Elbow replacement surgery eases pain for most people. A second elbow replacement surgery is usually not as successful as the first one.
