Elbow joint replacement is performed when all other treatment fails to restore joint function, relieve pain and stop the progressive deterioration of joint tissue and bone. Elbow replacement surgery replaces the painful surfaces of the damaged elbow with artificial elbow parts.

About the Elbow Joint
A hinge joint, the elbow joint consists of three bones - the humerus of the upper arm and the radius and ulna of the forearm. The joint is lined by cushioning cartilage, as well as muscles and tendons that work to stabilize the joint and facilitate movement. Ligaments at the elbow also assists in stabilizing and connecting bones to bones - forming a joint capsule at the elbow joint and providing a lubricating synovial fluid.

As a result of its articulation, the elbow joint can help the arm achieve extension, flexion and rotation. When a previous injury causing long-term joint instability, or a degenerative condition such as arthritis causes the cartilage and other joint tissue to deteriorate, creating friction between the bones, despite other less invasive treatment to slow the deterioration and joint damage, a total elbow replacement is considered.

Often one compartment of the three-compartment elbow joint sustains more damage than another. Bone spurs may grow and cause impingement, which limits motion and causes pain. Before joint replacement surgery bone spurs are removed and the damaged joint surfaces are resurfaced with a fibrous connective tissue. This is generally done first in order to determine if reasonable function can be restored and delay a bit longer the necessity for joint replacement.

The Elbow Replacement Procedure

Joint replacement surgery is scheduled only after patients have been thoroughly examined and informed of all aspects of the procedure and subsequent rehabilitation. Any health concerns may first be addressed before the surgery, in order to ensure optimal results and a rapid recovery.

The day of the surgery the patient is made comfortable and prepared for the procedure. Once anesthesia is administered the specific area is clearly marked. The skin surrounding the affected area is then scrubbed and sterilized.

The procedure begins with a five to seven-inch incision made across the back or side of the elbow in order to gain access to the joint. The diseased surfaces are replaced with an implant, which is made of metal allow on one side and a type of plastic, called polyethylene, on the other. The new joint is shaped and designed to replace the hinge mechanism in a healthy elbow. One part of the artificial replacement joint fits into the humerus of the upper arm and the other into the ulna of the forearm, where each meet at the elbow joint. The two connecting pats form a hinge joint that allows the elbow to bend. Once the artificial joint is snugly placed, the elbow is moved through a range of motion in order to determine a solid fit and normal elbow function.

The incision is then closed and covered with a sterile bandage and the patient is brought to a recovery room for monitoring and transition out of the anesthesia. The procedure generally takes between one to three hours, depending on the severity of the degeneration.

The hospital stay may range from one to three days and will entail a meeting with a physical therapist and discussion of important range of motion exercises. Rehabilitation is key in resuming the fullest range of motion possible and one of the most important aspects of recovery.