Elbow Replacement Surgery (Total Elbow Arthroplasty) in Delhi, India

Elbow replacement, also called total elbow arthroplasty, is a procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased elbow joint with an artificial joint. This procedure is usually recommended when other non-surgical treatments have not provided relief from pain and disability.

Types of Elbow Replacement

There are several types of elbow replacement surgery, and it depends on the extent of damage or disease in the elbow joint. They include:

• Total elbow replacement: Total elbow replacement involves replacing the diseased or damaged elbow joint with an artificial joint. This procedure is suitable for patients with severe arthritis, fractures, or other conditions that have caused significant damage to the elbow joint.
• Partial elbow replacement: Partial elbow replacement, also known as partial elbow arthroplasty, replaces only the damaged portion of the elbow joint with a prosthetic device. It is recommended for patients with limited damage to their elbow joint or who are not good candidates for total elbow replacement.
• Revision elbow replacement: Revision elbow replacement is a surgical procedure involving replacing a previously implanted elbow joint prosthesis that has failed or damaged. The procedure is recommended for patients who have experienced a loosening or dislocation of the prosthetic device, infection, or wear and tear of the components of the implant.

Why Is Elbow Replacement Surgery Done?

Elbow replacement surgery is typically recommended when non-surgical treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, or injections, do not provide relief from pain and disability due to severe arthritis or joint damage.

Causes and Symptoms of Elbow Replacement Surgery

Elbow replacement surgery is typically recommended for individuals who have severe arthritis or joint damage due to injury or disease. Some symptoms of elbow joint damage may include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Limited range of motion
• Difficulty performing daily activities such as lifting, reaching, or grasping.

Benefits of Elbow Replacement Surgery

Total elbow replacement surgery offers several benefits:

• Pain Relief: Patients often experience significant pain relief following the procedure, leading to an improved quality of life.
• Improved Mobility: Total elbow replacement can enhance mobility and range of motion in the affected elbow, enabling individuals to perform daily activities with greater ease and independence.
• Increased Strength: After the recovery period, total elbow replacement can enhance the strength of the elbow joint, allowing individuals to engage in more strenuous activities and exercise.
• Long-Term Results: With proper care and rehabilitation, total elbow replacement can provide long-term results, helping individuals maintain elbow function for many years.

Risks of Elbow Replacement Surgery

Some risks associated with elbow replacement surgery include:

1. Infection
2. Bleeding
3. Blood clots
4. Nerve damage
5. Prosthesis failure

Preparation of Elbow Replacement Surgery

• Before elbow replacement surgery, the patient will undergo a thorough medical evaluation and imaging studies to assess the extent of joint damage and determine the appropriate surgical approach.
• The patient may also be advised to make lifestyle changes like losing weight, eating a nutritious diet, exercising before the procedure, and quitting smoking, thus optimising their overall health before surgery.

Elbow Replacement Surgery Procedure

• Anaesthesia is administered to the patient.
• Consequently, the surgeon will make an incision in the skin over the elbow joint and carefully remove the diseased or damaged parts of the joint.
• The artificial joint components are then implanted into the bones of the forearm and upper arm, and the soft tissues are repositioned and closed with sutures.

Recovery After Elbow Replacement Surgery

• Following elbow replacement surgery, the patient will require rehabilitation and physical therapy to help restore strength, mobility, and function to the joint.
• The duration of recovery time will depend on the extent of surgery and the patient's overall health. Still, most patients can expect to resume normal activities within a few months of surgery.
• Patients are advised not to perform strenuous activities, lift heavy objects or operate heavy machinery.
• Pain medication will be provided to ensure the patient can heal comfortably.
• The care team will provide other necessary details.