Elbow replacement

In an elbow replacement surgery, the damaged parts of your elbow get replaced with artificial implants. It is for those who have had their elbows harmed either by rheumatoid arthritis or any other injury. Once you have an elbow replacement surgery, you will be able to move your arms better. Your pain will be lesser. 

A surgeon will replace your elbow with an artificial joint. This joint will have two implants that attach to the bones in your arm. A metal and a plastic hinge join the hands together. Elbow replacement surgery is quite similar to hip replacement and knee replacement surgery. There are different types of surgery.

When do you need an elbow replacement surgery? 

There are many conditions that will require you to have elbow replacement surgery. These include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis - This occurs when there is an inflammation in one or more joints. It will cause pain and stiffness and can worsen with age. 
• Osteoarthritis - This is when the cartilage separating your bones starts to wear away. Your bones rub against each other, and the elbow joint becomes stiff and painful.
• Severe fractures - This is a common reason why people have elbow replacements. Some fractures do not heal well and will require an elbow replacement. 
• Instability - This occurs when the ligaments that hold your elbow joint together are damaged. Your elbow is likely to dislocate, and you will need a replacement. 

Types of elbow replacement

In some cases, you may need only partial replacement. It means that only a portion of your joint will need to get replaced. In other cases, your entire joint might need to get replaced. There are two types of prosthetic devices available:

• Linked - This type acts as a loose hinge since all the parts of the joint are connected. This type provides good joint stability. 
• Unlinked - This device comes in two separate pieces. It will depend on the surrounding ligaments to hold the joint together. 

What happens during an elbow replacement surgery? 

Initially, your surgeon will make a small incision at the back of your elbow. This cut helps the surgeon to reach the elbow joint. 

After this, your surgeon will move the muscles surrounding the bone aside. It will help them get access to the bone. 

There will be some scar tissue and spurs that are around the joint. The surgeon will remove these and will prepare your humerus so that it fits the artificial piece. 

The next step is to prepare your ulna. The surgeon will place the replacement stems into your humerus and ulna bones. It will be kept intact with bone cement. A hinge pin will connect these two stems. 

After a while, the wound will be closed, and you will have a padded dressing in that place. It is to protect the incision made as it heals. 

In some cases, they might place a temporary tube in the joint to drain the surgical fluid. The tube will be removed a few days after your surgery. 

Risks of elbow replacement surgery 

These are the most common complications after an elbow replacement surgery:

• Infection 
• Stiffness
• Instability of the joint 
• Broken bone 
• Injury to your nerves or blood vessels
• Loosening or wearing of the artificial parts 
• Pain
• Weakness in the tendons of your arms
• Allergic reactions to the artificial joint
• Bleeding and blood clots

What to expect after the elbow replacement surgery 

Your elbow area may feel tender for 2 to 4 weeks after the surgery. The swelling will slowly start to go down during this time. During the first week after the surgery, you will have a soft splint that will hold your elbow in place. After your incision has healed, you will have to use a harder splint or a brace that will have a hinge. 

You can start driving after 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery. Full recovery will take about a year