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Elbow replacement

Alternative Names:

Total elbow arthroplasty; Endoprosthetic elbow replacement

Expectations after surgery:

The patient may stay in the hospital for up to 3 - 4 days. A splint may be used after surgery to help stabilize the elbow. Elbow replacement surgery relieves pain for most patients.

Convalescence:

Physical therapy, starting with gentle flexing exercises, will be prescribed. Patients who have a splint typically start therapy a few weeks later than those who do not.

The patient will need help with everyday activities, such as driving, shopping, bathing, meal preparation, and household chores, for up to six weeks.

Some patients may begin to regain function of the elbow as soon as 12 weeks after surgery, although additional recovery can take up to a year.

The patient should not lift more than five pounds with the operated arm, even when fully recovered.

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.

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