When is it needed?

The elbow problems that bring about the need for this surgery are:

• Osteoarthritis: wear and tear leads to softening and wearing away of the cartilage that cushions the elbow. The bones rub against each other causing pain and stiffness.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: the synovial membrane surrounding the joint inflames and thickens, damaging the cartilage causing cartilage loss, pain and stiffness.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This follows a serious elbow injury where the bones surrounding the elbow fractures or torn elbow ligaments might damage the articular cartilage over time. Elbow pain and limited elbow function ensues.
• Osteonecrosis: deficiency of blood supply to the bone causes elbow joint to deform.
• Severe elbow fractures, osteoporosis and non-healing elbow fractures are other reasons.
• Instability: Ligaments holding the elbow joint together are damaged and doesn’t work well, makes it prone to dislocation. An injury can also cause instability.

Pre-Procedural activities

• Preparation for surgery is by taking blood tests, ECG, MRI or X-ray and a physical examination of the elbow is done.
• Inform the doctor of the medications and supplements, patient presently takes.
• Refrain from eating and drinking 6-12 hours prior to procedure.
• Prepare your home for adjustments to post-surgery life, as per doctor’s recommendations.

Patient will be given anaesthetic before the total elbow replacement surgery, which might be:

• Regional: Numb the arm and shoulder region
• General: Puts patient to sleep

• The surgeon will begin by making an incision at the back of the elbow and then the muscles are moved aside to get access to the bone.
• The scar tissue and spurs around the joint are removed and the humerus is prepared to fit the metallic implant to replace that side of the joint.
• Similar process is employed for the ulna too.
• The replacement stems are placed into the humerus and ulna bones and placed using cement and a hinge pin connects the stems.
• Once this wound closes, padded dressing is placed to protect the incision, as it heals.

Post-Procedural Activities

• 1. The patient usually takes a couple of days to recover.
• 2. The doctors will take the required measures to control any blood-clotting situation, pain and swelling.
• 3. The doctor will provide training to the patient and the caretakers on how to handle things.
• 4.Doctor will need to see you at a follow-up appointment after a few days.
• 5.You might have to follow an exercise regimen, as instructed by the doctor or physical therapist.