TOTAL ELBOW REPLACEMENT

Total Elbow Replacement Surgery in C-scheme, Jaipur

Your elbow is a hinge joint made up of three bones called the humerus, the ulna, and the radius. The junction of the bones is closed with articular cartilage. It is a smooth substance that protects the bones and enables easy movement. The synovial membrane is a thin tissue that covers all the remaining surfaces inside the elbow joint. In a healthy elbow, this membrane produces a small amount of fluid. This fluid lubricates the cartilage and eliminates all the friction as you bend and rotate your arm.  The elbow joint is held together tightly by muscles, tendons, ligaments.

What is Total Elbow Replacement?

In Total Elbow Replacement Surgery, the damaged part of the bones, the humerus, and the ulna replace the artificial ones. Artificial components are made of metal and plastic hinges and have two metal stems. These stems sit inside the hollow part of the bone called the canal. The elbow replacement comes in different types and sizes. Partial elbow replacement is also available but is used on rare occasions only. 

What are the causes of Elbow Replacement?

Several conditions cause elbow pain and disability that can lead the patients to consider elbow replacement surgery. Some of these conditions include:

1. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS- is a condition in which the synovial membrane becomes inflamed and thickened. The synovial membrane is a tissue that surrounds the joint. The inflammation causes the damage of the cartilage and eventually leads to cartilage loss, pain, stiffness.
2. OSTEOARTHRITIS- is also known as DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE. Osteoarthritis is an age-related condition. It usually occurs in people of the age 50 years and above but may occur in young people too. In this condition, the cartilage that cushions the bones of the joint softens and wears away. The bones then rub against each other that causes the elbow joint to become stiff and painful.
3. POST-TRAUMATIC ARTHRITIS-is a condition that occurs following a traumatic injury. Over time, the fractures of the bones that make up the elbow joint or the tears of the surrounding tendons and ligaments can cause damage to the cartilage. It causes chronic pain and limits the function of the elbow.
4. SEVERE BONE FRACTURES.

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How is the Total Elbow Replacement surgery performed?

A Total Elbow Replacement surgery is a complicated procedure as it involves several moving parts that balance each other with great precision to control the forearm movements. Before the procedure, you will be under anaesthetic medication, helping you to sleep and relax. Then, your surgeon will make an incision at the back of your elbow to reach the joint. After getting access to the bone, your surgeon will remove the scarred tissue and the spurs around the joint. Then, your surgeon will prepare the humerus to fit the artificial piece to replace that side of the joint. The ulna goes through the same procedure. The wound is then closed with a padded dressing to protect the incision while it heals. 

What are the benefits of Total Elbow Replacement surgery?

The possible benefits of Total Elbow Replacement surgery include:

• Reduced chronic joint pain
• Easy and smooth movements of joint
• Better quality of life

However, Total Elbow Replacement surgeries take several months to heal. But, these surgeries are very successful and delights most people with the results and improved quality of life.

Who are the candidates for Total Elbow Replacement surgery?

You are a candidate for the surgery if you experience persistent joints pain and failed medication. Joint Replacement surgeries should be considered only under close observation of your surgeon.

What are the side effects of Total Elbow Replacement surgery?

A replacement elbow joint can never be as good as a normal-functioning joint. The ease of movement will be less than the natural elbow joint. It is going to limit your everyday activities. Also, replacement elbow joints wear out over time. But, they'll likely last for at least ten years.