Elbow replacement

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Overview

Recovery

Risks

Elbow replacement

Definition:

Elbow replacement involves surgically replacing bones that make up the elbow joint with artificial elbow joint parts (prosthetic components). The artificial joint consists of two stems made of high-quality metal. They are joined together with a metal and plastic hinge that allows the artificial elbow joint to bend. The artificial joints come in different sizes to fit the patient.

Alternative Names:

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Total elbow arthroplasty; Endoprosthetic elbow replacement

Description:

The patient may receive general anesthesia (unconscious, no pain) or regional anesthesia that prevents the arm from feeling pain. Patients receiving regional anesthesia are also given medicine to help them relax during the operation.

The orthopedic surgeon makes an incision, usually in the back of the upper and lower arm, to expose the elbow joint. The surgeon removes the lower end of the bone in the upper arm (humerus) and the upper end of the large bone in the lower arm (ulna), along with any damaged tissue.

The orthopedic surgeon then drills out a portion of the center of the humerus and ulna and inserts one stem of the prosthesis into each bone. Usually, bone cement is used to hold the stems in place.

The surgeon then attaches the two stems together with the hinge system. The orthopedic surgeon closes the wound with stictches, applies a bandage, and might place the arm in a splint for stability.

Indications:

Elbow replacement surgery can be performed when the patient?s joint has been severely damaged. Causes of damage include:

Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Severely broken bone in the upper or lower arm near the elbow
Severely damaged or torn tissues in the elbow
Tumor in or around the elbow
Poor result from previous elbow surgery

References:

Rolf O, Gohlke F. Endoprosthetic elbow replacement in patients with solitary metastasis resulting from renal cell carcinoma. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2004;13(6):656-63.

Van der Lugt JC, Geskus RB, Rozing PM. Influence of previous open synovectomy on the outcome of Soutdr-Strathclyde total elbow prothesis. Rheumatology 2004;43(10):1240-5.