The elbow can be damaged in a number of ways, from arthritis to traumatic injuries. Depending on the nature and extent of the injury, a doctor may treat the damage with arthroscopic surgery or a combination of non-invasive methods like medication and physical therapy to strengthen the area. Most doctors will attempt a noninvasive method before moving on to surgery, but if the injury is severe enough or the patient is not able to recover, then the next option may be to replace the elbow completely.
Total elbow replacement surgery is complicated but is highly effective for eliminating elbow pain and allowing for unrestricted use of the affected arm. Working with a specialist to determine the most appropriate path towards recovery is an important first step for a pain-free life. Call 1-800-injured to find a doctor in your area who can perform this procedure. 1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service that can connect you with an experienced and certified professional in your area.
Types of Elbow Replacement Surgery
Typically, a surgeon will perform one of two elbow replacement procedures:
Partial Elbow Replacement Surgery
If only a part of the elbow is damaged, there is no need to do a full replacement. In this procedure, a surgeon might only need to replace the head of the joint or resurface the socket to allow for smooth and painless motion.
Total Elbow Replacement Surgery
When both the socket and ball of a joint are unable to be repaired, the surgeon will fully replace the joint with an artificial joint. In order to do so, old pieces of bone and cartilage are removed, and the new artificial joint is inserted into the center of the bones on each side of the elbow.
There are two different types of artificial joints: linked and unlinked. A linked joint functions like a hinge, with both ends permanently connected. Linked joints can occasionally be difficult to move. An unlinked joint does not have as many issues with motion since they are two separate pieces, but this is only an option if the ligaments in the elbow are strong enough to hold the joint together.
When weighing the benefits of either a linked or unlinked joint, you and your doctor will need to consider several different factors to identify the best option for your unique situation.
Risks Associated With Elbow Replacement Surgery
Whether you are getting a partial or total elbow replacement with a linked or unlinked joint, there are risks that you will need to address with your doctor. Working with an experienced surgeon helps to reduce these risks as much as possible, complications are rare, but it is vital to know the risks. As with any invasive surgery, there are potential complications such as infection, blood clotting or blood loss, allergic reactions, fracturing, changes to your arm length, or a failed artificial joint.
Following your doctor’s recovery plan diligently can help reduce these risks, so be sure to follow each step in order to get back to your normal life as soon as possible.