Total Elbow Replacement

Total Elbow Replacement Surgery in Kondapur, Hyderabad

Total elbow replacement surgery is a technique that involves removing the elbow joint and replacing it with an artificial joint to relieve pain and discomfort and improve arm function.

What is Total Elbow Replacement?

Total elbow replacement is a procedure in which the damaged portions of the elbow, such as the ulna and humerus, are removed and replaced with a plastic and metal hinged artificial elbow joint with two metal stems. The canal, which is a hollow section of the bone, will fit these stems inside.

Why is Total Elbow Replacement Done?

Various conditions can cause damage to the elbow joint, which can cause pain and inflammation. These include;

• Osteoarthritis – OA is one of the most common kinds of arthritis. It is linked to cartilage wear and tear and most commonly affects adults over the age of 50. As the cartilage that shields the bones of the elbow wears away, the bones begin to scrape against one another, causing pain and irritation in the elbow.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – RA is an autoimmune disease in which the synovial membrane thickens and becomes inflammatory, due to the body’s immune system attacking the joint lining mistakenly. This causes cartilage damage and, eventually, cartilage loss, as well as pain and stiffness. It is the most prevalent kind of inflammatory arthritis.
• Joint instability – If the ligaments that hold the elbow joint together are damaged, the elbow becomes unstable and dislocates easily. This can lead to cartilage damage.
• Post-traumatic arthritis – This condition develops after a significant elbow injury. Damage to the cartilage happens as a result of a fracture in the bones of the elbow or tendon or ligament tears, causing pain and restricting movement.
• Fracture – If one or more of the elbow’s bones are severely fractured, total elbow replacement surgery may be required. An elbow fracture is difficult to mend, and the blood flow to the bones may be cut off temporarily.

How is Total Elbow Replacement Done?

Before proceeding with total elbow replacement surgery at Apollo Kondapur, you will be given regional or general anaesthesia. The surgeon will then make an incision in the back portion of the elbow. After that, they’ll get your muscles out of the way so they can reach the bone and remove the scar tissue and spurs around the elbow joint.

The humerus is then prepped to fit the metallic portion that will be attached to that side. The ulna is prepared similarly. The stems are put into the humerus and ulna bones, to be replaced. A hinge pin connects the two halves. After the wound has been closed, the incision is covered with a cushioned dressing to protect it, while it heals. A temporary tube is sometimes inserted into the joint to drain the operative fluid. A few days following your surgery, this tube will be removed.

What Happens After Total Elbow Replacement Procedure?

You will have some pain following the procedure, for which your doctor will give you pain medicine. For the elbow replacement surgery to be successful, you will need to perform certain hand and wrist rehabilitation exercises to reduce stiffness and swelling in the elbow. After the surgery, you must refrain from carrying any heavy objects for at least 6 weeks.

What are the Complications Associated with Total Elbow Replacement?

Total elbow replacement surgery, like any other operation, has some risks. These risks include;

• Nerve injury – Nerves around the joint replacement site can get injured during elbow replacement surgery. Generally, such injuries gradually heal on their own.
• Infections – An infection on the incision site or surrounding the prosthetic pieces is possible. Infections can strike at any time, whether it’s when you’re in the hospital, a few days after surgery, or years later. Antibiotics are prescribed after elbow replacement surgery to minimize the chances of infections.
• Implants becoming loose – The implants may become loose or wear out over time. Excessive wear and tear or loosening may necessitate revision surgery.

When to See a Doctor?

You should see a doctor and talk to them about elbow replacement surgery if –

• You are experiencing severe elbow pain that is interfering with your everyday activities.
• After a period of rest or inactivity, your elbow’s motion range is limited and your joint becomes stiff.
• You have tried every nonsurgical and noninvasive treatment option available, including physical therapy and medication, yet the pain persists.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Kondapur

Call 1860-500-2244 to book an appointment

After total elbow replacement surgery, patients usually experience pain alleviation and an improvement in their quality of life. The elbow joint’s mobility and function, as well as its strength, improves.