Elbow Replacement Surgery in Mumbai, India

Elbow replacement is a highly specialised surgery, considered only after chronic pain and immobility of the joint cannot be managed by traditional form of treatments. The most common risk factors for the condition can be arthritis, fractures, or gradual joint degeneration caused by a condition or age.

Elbow replacement surgery involves removing damaged portions of the elbow joint and replacing them with specialised prosthetic implants. This operation is also known as elbow arthroplasty.

Three bones meet at the elbow. The upper arm bone, known as the humerus, forms a loose hinge with the bigger of the two forearm bones, the ulna and the smaller bone radius. The two forearm bones, the radius and ulna, work together to allow the arm to rotate.

Elbow replacement surgery is slightly more complicated than hip replacement or knee replacement surgeries. However, recent developments in surgical technique and implant design have increased the success rate of elbow replacements.

Alternative Name

Elbow replacement surgery is sometimes called Total or Partial Elbow Arthroplasty or Elbow Joint Replacement. It involves removing damaged elements of the elbow joint and replacing them with biocompatible implants, which can help relieve discomfort and restore function in people suffering from severe arthritis or joint damage.

Types of Elbow Replacement Surgery

There are various sorts of elbow replacement operations, depending on the extent of the injury. Total vs. partial replacement refers to degrees of bone and joint damage. A total elbow replacement involves both humerus and ulna bones and a partial elbow replacement is considered for more localised injuries. Surgeons employ two procedures to introduce prosthetics: linked and unlinked elbow replacements.

• Total elbow replacement: Total elbow replacement is the most common type of elbow replacement. Surgeons sometimes refer to it as total elbow arthroplasty. Your surgeon will replace damaged bones in your upper arm (humerus) and forearm (ulna and radius).
• Partial elbow replacement: A partial elbow replacement is exactly what it sounds like. Your surgeon will only repair certain portions of your elbow joint. Partial elbow replacements are significantly less prevalent. Surgeons typically do partial replacements in persons who have suffered an injury or damage.

Your ortho surgeon will perform a linked or unlinked elbow replacement:

• Linked: Your surgeon will place metal stems into your humerus and ulna to help support the prosthetic joint. Linked replacements are far more prevalent.
• Unlinked: Your surgeon will attach the prosthetic joint to your existing ligaments and connective tissue. They're less prevalent because people's ligaments aren't usually strong enough to sustain the prosthesis. Typically, if your elbow is damaged or worn enough to require an arthroplasty, your ligaments are also compromised.

Preparation for Elbow Replacement Procedure

Your healthcare practitioner and surgeon will explain what you need to do to prepare for surgery. Generally, you will need:

• A physical examination
• Blood testing
• An electrocardiogram (EKG)
• A dental exam to lower your chances of developing an infection following surgery
• Imaging tests include an elbow X-ray and, possibly, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT scan (computed tomography scan)
• Rearranging your recovery environment at home so all the essentials are stored at waist length and do not require you to extend your recovering arm.

Pre-Surgery

• Inform your otho doctor and surgeon about the drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) supplements you take. You may need to cease taking some drugs or supplements prior to surgery.
• You will be unable to use or move your elbow for several weeks following elbow replacement surgery. You may want to prepare ahead and relocate frequently used goods to lower shelves or a temporary, easily accessible spot in your home.
• Your surgeon will advise you on when to cease eating and drinking the day before your surgery. Most people should not eat or drink for 12 hours before their procedure.

During Surgery

On the day of your surgery, you will be given anaesthesia to numb your arm and ensure that you do not experience any pain. An anesthesiologist will also administer general anaesthetic to put you to sleep during surgery.

During an elbow replacement, the surgeon will:

• Make an incision (cut) in the skin on the back of your arm near your elbow
• Remove the damaged cartilage and bone from within your joint
• Reshape the ends of your ulna and humerus
• Insert the prosthetic joint

Post-Surgery

• Following surgery, you will be sent to a recovery room. Your surgery team will monitor you for a few hours to ensure you wake up from anaesthesia without issues. They will also monitor your vital signs and pain levels.
• Elbow replacements are often inpatient procedures, which means you will need to spend a day or two in the hospital.

Risks Associated with Elbow Replacement Surgery

• Implant Loosening: Elbow replacement components might loosen with time. If this occurs, more surgery may be required to replace the loose components.
• Fracture: The bones in the elbow joint might fracture during or after surgery.
• Nerve Injury: Nerves might get damaged in the area where the implant is put. The injury can lead to numbness, weakness, and discomfort.
• Infection: Infection can occur at the incision site or in deeper tissues. Surgery is occasionally required to treat infections.

However, since these risks are well documented and researched, an expert surgeon takes utmost precaution to ensure a successful surgery.

Complications of the Elbow Replacement Surgery

Complications might arise following any surgery. Approximately 15% of persons who have an elbow replacement require further surgery on that elbow in the future. The younger you are when you have an elbow replacement, the more probable you will require a reoperation.

The most common elbow replacement problems are:

• Fractures surrounding the implant
• Infection inside your elbow or at the surgical location
• Nerve injury
• Blood vessel injury
• Problems with prosthetic implants include premature wear and loosening, as well as scar tissue limiting range of motion.

Certain medical issues can make recovering following elbow replacement more challenging. Talk to your surgeon about your medical history. Tell them if you have:

• Hemophilia
• Diabetes and osteoporosis
• Other autoimmune disorders (including lupus)

Why Choose Nanavati Max Hospital for Elbow Replacement?

Nanavati Max Centre for Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine offers state-of-the-art treatment in the field of Elbow Replacement surgeries to professional athletes, sports enthusiasts and the general public. Our internationally trained elbow replacement surgeons follow a multidisciplinary approach and work closely with a variety of disciplines, such as emergency medicine, orthopaedics, sports medicine, radiology, interventional radiology, pain management and physiotherapy. Our patient-centric treatment plans come with round-the-clock care for patients with the most complex conditions in a caring and sophisticated environment.

For accurate diagnosis and treatment, the hospital employs cutting-edge surgical equipment, guaranteeing the best outcomes with the shortest recovery period. Modern elbow replacement methods lessen tissue damage, which lessens discomfort and fasten the recovery. Patients are also given individualised rehabilitation programs that emphasise improving joint mobility and strength. Nanavati Max offers the greatest results for elbow arthroscopy patients because of its skilled staff and cutting-edge technologies.

Outlook

Elbow replacement surgery is a promising therapy option for people suffering from severe elbow arthritis, fractures, or other degenerative conditions that may not respond to conservative treatments. The technique involves replacing damaged or worn-out elbow joint components with artificial ones in order to restore function, alleviate pain, and increase mobility.

After surgery, the majority of patients get a greater range of motion, enabling them to return to their regular activities. However, it may take several months to fully recover, and physical therapy may be necessary to regain flexibility and strength. Despite the high success rate, issues like infection, loosening of the prosthesis, or nerve damage do happen occasionally. All things considered, elbow replacement surgery significantly improves quality of life and presents a bright future for those with severe elbow joint issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is a Candidate For Elbow Replacement Surgery?

Candidates include individuals with severe elbow arthritis, joint deformities, or fractures that do not improve with conservative treatments like medication or physical therapy.

2. How Do You Know You Need an Elbow Replacement?

You may need an elbow replacement if you have persistent pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the elbow despite non-surgical treatments.

3. What Type Of Doctor Should I See For Elbow Pain?

You should see an orthopaedic surgeon, preferably one who specialises in the upper extremities or joint replacement.

4. How Long Does an Elbow Replacement Last?

An elbow replacement typically lasts 10 to 20 years, depending on the patient's activity level and the wear on the prosthesis.

5. What is The Recovery Time After Elbow Replacement?

Recovery typically takes 6 months to a year, with full healing and rehabilitation often requiring up to a year.

6. What Conditions are Treated With Elbow Replacement?

Elbow replacement is used to treat severe elbow arthritis, joint fractures, or conditions like post-traumatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

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