Elbow Replacement
Overview
Elbow replacement, also known as elbow arthroplasty, involves the substitution of a damaged elbow joint with an artificial one. In most cases, it’s done when the elbow joint becomes either diseased or severely injured, affecting your quality of life due to pain or limited function. Although less common compared to knee or hip replacement, it’s still a vital procedure that significantly helps to restore joint function and ease discomfort.
Types
There are primarily two types of elbow replacement surgeries:
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- Total Elbow Replacement: This is the most common type, which involves replacing both sides of the elbow joint- the humerus (the upper arm bone) and the ulna (the forearm bone).
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- Partial Elbow Replacement: Also known as hemiarthroplasty, it involves replacing just one side of the joint, typically after a severe fracture.
Causes
Several health conditions and factors may justify the need for elbow replacement surgery. They include:
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- Osteoarthritis: Also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, can cause the elbow joint to wear out over time.
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- Rheumatoid Arthritis: A chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including the elbows.
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- Post-traumatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis happens after a significant injury to the elbow.
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- Severe Fractures: A complex fracture of the elbow may require a replacement.
Symptoms
The following symptoms may indicate the need for elbow replacement:
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- Persistent pain that does not improve with conservative treatment.
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- Limited elbow motion that impedes routine activities.
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- Instability in the elbow joint.
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- Stiffness or an inability to straighten or bend the arm.
Diagnosis
Several tests may be employed to diagnose your condition accurately. Ranging from physical examinations, where the doctor checks your elbow for tenderness, swelling or deformity, to imaging tests like X-rays, which can provide detailed images of bones, and computed tomography (CT) scans, which can give a more detailed view of the elbow.
Treatment Options
Treatment for elbow joint disorders varies greatly depending on the severity and cause. Non-surgical options include:
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- Physical therapy
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- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
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- Bracing
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- Steroid injections
If these conservative measures fail, or if the joint damage is too great, elbow replacement surgery becomes the recommended treatment.
Living With Elbow Replacement
After elbow replacement surgery, you can expect to live with some limitations. Examples include avoiding heavy lifting and high-impact activities. However, with regular exercise, physical therapy, and protection of the joint, most patients can perform daily activities comfortably.
When to Seek Help
If you experience persistent pain, swelling, instability or loss of function in your elbow, seek medical advice promptly. Other urgent symptoms include an inability to straighten or bend the arm, a protruding bone, sudden bruising, and an audible pop or snap in your elbow at the time of injury.
In any health matter, early detection and treatment significantly improve your prognosis. Therefore, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you exhibit any symptoms of severe elbow disorders.
