• Home

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Elbow replacement

• Overview
• Recovery
• Risks

Definition:

Elbow replacement is surgery to replace the bones that make up the elbow joint with artificial joint parts (prosthetic components).

Alternative Names:

Total elbow arthroplasty; Endoprosthetic elbow replacement

Description:

The patient may receive general anesthesia (unconscious, no pain) or regional anesthesia that prevents the arm from feeling pain. Patients receiving regional anesthesia are also given medicine to help them relax during the operation.

The orthopedic surgeon makes an incision, usually in the back of the upper and lower arm, to expose the elbow joint. The surgeon removes the lower end of the bone in the upper arm (humerus) and the upper end of the large bone in the lower arm (ulna), along with any damaged tissue.

The orthopedic surgeon then drills out a portion of the center of the humerus and ulna and inserts one part of the artificial joint into each bone. The artificial joint consists of two stems made of high-quality metal. They are joined together with a metal and plastic hinge that allows the artificial elbow joint to bend. The artificial joints come in different sizes to fit the patient.

Usually, bone cement is used to hold the stems in place.

The surgeon then attaches the two stems together with the hinge system. The orthopedic surgeon closes the wound with stitches, applies a bandage, and might place the arm in a splint for stability.

Indications:

Elbow replacement surgery can be performed when the patient’s joint has been severely damaged. Causes of damage include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Severely broken bone   in the upper or lower arm near the elbow
• Severely damaged or torn tissues in the elbow
• Tumor in or around the elbow  
• Poor result from previous elbow surgery

References:

Rolf O, Gohlke F. Endoprosthetic elbow replacement in patients with solitary metastasis resulting from renal cell carcinoma. J Shoulder Elbow Surg . 2004;13(6):656-63.

Van der Lugt JC, Geskus RB, Rozing PM. Influence of previous open synovectomy on the outcome of Soutdr-Strathclyde total elbow prothesis. Rheumatology. 2004;43(10):1240-5.

• Review Date: 3/9/2007
• Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.