What is an Elbow Replacement?
An elbow replacement is usually needed due to arthritis
resulting in joint pain, stiffness and wear and tear. Once
the operation is complete, you should have less pain and find it
easier to move.
What does this involve?
Elbow Replacement surgery is carried out in hospital under
general anaesthetic and local anaesthetic is injected into your
elbow at the end of the operation so you wake up with no
pain. You would normally be admitted the evening before the
operation if your operation is in the morning or early on the day
if your operation is scheduled for the afternoon or the
evening. This allows you time to settle in and be
prepared.
You will not be able to eat for eight hours prior to surgery
although you will be able to drink small amounts of water up to
four hours before.
The operation itself takes around 60 minutes and your surgeon
will make a cut at the back of your elbow, remove the damaged
surfaces, and replace these with an artificial elbow joint made of
metal, plastic, ceramic, or a combination of these. The elbow
replacement is then fixed to the bone with an acrylic cement and
your surgeon will close the skin with stitches or clips.
Afterwards your ankle will be tightly bandaged to help minimise
swelling and fine drainage tubes may also be left in for up to 48
hours.
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When will I recover?
You are likely to stay in hospital for three to five days after
the operation. Your physiotherapists will help you start
moving and bending the elbow, usually six to eight days after the
operation.
You will need to use a support for the elbow for around six
weeks and regular exercise should enable you to return to normal
activities as soon as possible.
Most people will make a good recovery, have less pain and be
able to move their elbow better. However, an artificial elbow
will not feel the same as a normal elbow. You can expect to
bend the elbow to 120 degrees but it is unlikely you will be able
to fully straighten it.
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What risks should I know about?
Elbow Replacement surgery is a commonly performed procedure
although there are some potential complications you should be aware
of.
- Infection can occur although our theatres have ultra-clean air
operating conditions keeping infection rates at 1%.
- Damage to nerves around the elbow resulting in weakness,
numbness or pain in the fingers and weakness of movement in the
fingers.
- Dislocation of the elbow replacement or fracture of break of
the bones around the elbow during or after the operation - risk
2%
- Loosening of the elbow requiring further surgery
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Circle care
Elbow surgery is carried out in at CircleBath where specialist
surgeons have created a centre of excellence. You can be sure
of state of the art facilities and the best possible care to get
you back on your feet as soon as possible.
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