When Is Elbow Replacement Needed

Total elbow arthroplasty is considered for patients with severe elbow pain stiffness and loss of function that do not improve with medicines injections physiotherapy or simpler operations Common indications include advanced rheumatoid arthritis post traumatic arthritis after old fractures and complex recent fractures in older patients where reconstruction is unlikely to restore a stable mobile joint It is less common than hip or knee replacement but can dramatically improve quality of life when used appropriately

Overview of the Procedure

In total elbow arthroplasty damaged ends of the humerus and ulna are removed and replaced with metal stems connected by a hinge or a linked mechanism with a plastic bearing surface The prosthetic components are usually cemented into the bone to provide stable fixation and accurate alignment Some designs are linked providing immediate mechanical stability while others rely more on surrounding ligaments and are used in selected cases The goal is to relieve pain and allow smoother bending and straightening of the elbow for daily tasks such as eating dressing and personal care

Patient Selection and Preoperative Planning

Because elbow replacements have load limitations compared with hip and knee implants they are usually reserved for lower demand patients who can accept lifelong restrictions on lifting heavy weights Preoperative imaging and planning assess bone quality deformity and previous hardware and rheumatology input is often needed for inflammatory conditions Risks such as infection loosening and nerve injury are discussed and patients are counselled about avoiding repetitive heavy lifting after surgery to protect the prosthesis

Rehabilitation and Long Term Care

Postoperatively the arm is initially supported in a splint and then transitioned to guided motion exercises to prevent stiffness while protecting soft tissue healing Physiotherapy emphasises range of motion gentle strengthening and use of the arm for light everyday activities Long term patients are usually advised not to lift more than a modest weight with the operated arm and to avoid impact sports or heavy manual labour Studies show good pain relief and functional gains in appropriately selected individuals though the risk of revision is higher in younger high demand groups

Why Choose Livasa Hospitals for Elbow Arthroplasty

Livasa Hospitals provide total elbow arthroplasty and complex elbow reconstruction as part of an upper limb service that includes shoulder and hand specialists Multi speciality support from rheumatology anaesthesia and physiotherapy ensures thorough evaluation safe surgery and dedicated rehabilitation for patients from across Punjab who require this specialised joint replacement

Livasa Hospitals Punjab Network Contact

Livasa Healthcare Group Network of Multi speciality Hospitals in Punjab
Corporate Office Phase 8 Industrial Area Sector 73 Punjab 160071 India