Elbow Joint Replacement

What is Elbow Joint Replacement?

Elbow joint replacement is a surgical procedure that is performed by a Board Certified and Fellowship Trained Elbow Specialist. This specialist will make an incision near the elbow joint to remove or trim osteoarthritic bone and cartilage. The goal is to relieve the symptoms associated with joint arthritis, such as pain, stiffness, swelling, and weakness. Metal and plastic implants are perfectly positioned to mimic the normal function of a healthy elbow and then cemented in place. The procedure takes 1-2 hours, and our Elbow Specialists will create a physical therapy plan to help restore function and motion to the elbow. Nonsurgical treatment options are recommended for mild to moderate elbow osteoarthritis. However, severe elbow osteoarthritis that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment options may be treated surgically. If you have elbow pain, it is best not to delay a diagnosis—contact our team and make an appointment with an elbow replacement specialist.

Elbow joint replacement is a surgical procedure that removes osteoarthritic elbow bone and soft tissue and replaces it with metal and plastic components. This procedure is similar to a total knee or total hip replacement as the goal is to relieve the symptoms associated with joint arthritis.

A Board Certified and Fellowship Trained Elbow Specialist performs the following steps:

• Incision. An incision is made near the elbow joint.
• Bone removal. Osteoarthritic bone and cartilage are carefully removed or trimmed and the bone is prepared for implants.
• Implants. Metal and plastic implants are perfectly positioned to mimic the normal function of a healthy elbow and then cemented in place.
• Closure. Sutures close the incision and a sterile dressing is placed over it.

X-rays are taken to ensure the new elbow is perfectly positioned and a physical examination ensures it moves properly. Total procedure time is usually 1-2 hours.

After surgery, our Elbow Specialists will create a physical therapy plan to help restore function and motion to the elbow.

What Does Elbow Joint Replacement Treat?

Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear of joint bone and soft tissues. Elbow osteoarthritis causes the following symptoms:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Weakness

Nonsurgical treatment options are recommended for mild to moderate elbow osteoarthritis. Severe elbow osteoarthritis that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment options may be treated surgically. If you have elbow pain, please do not delay a diagnosis—contact our team and make an appointment with an elbow replacement specialist.