Leading Elbow Replacement Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore

Doctors perform elbow replacement surgery to reduce discomfort and regain motion in an injured elbow, often known as Total Elbow Arthroplasty. The surgeon replaces your elbow joint with an artificial one during the surgery. However, not every elbow replacement procedure involves the operation of the entire elbow. Some patients just have a portion of the joint replaced, such as the radial head (the knobby head of the radius bone where it meets the elbow).

Many patients report an improvement in quality of life following their elbow replacement surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka. You can resume your favourite activities once the discomfort is reduced.

Types of Elbow Replacement Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

There are usually five types of elbow replacement surgery performed at Apollo Hospitals –

• Total Elbow Replacement
• Synovectomy
• Arthroscopic Debridement
• Open Reduction and Internal Fixation
• Elbow Interposition Arthroplasty

Also, for elbow replacement surgery, two types of implants are used –

• Linked: This is the most commonly used implant. Metal stems inserted into the ulna and humerus’ ends are joined by a hinge.

• Unlinked: The surrounding ligaments must hold the two distinct parts of unlinked elbow prosthetic joints.

Advantages of Elbow Replacement Surgery

One of the most effective joint replacement procedures is elbow surgery; most patients are satisfied with the outcome. Some of the benefits of elbow replacement surgery are as follows –

• It provides comfort and pain relief.
• It increases adaptability.
• It reduces the possibility of impairment.
• You can exercise, play sports, and operate a motor vehicle.
  

Elbow Replacement Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

The doctors will ask for specific tests to evaluate your current condition. The surgery will depend on the severity of the condition. Most patients receive detailed advice about which medications to take or stop during pre-admission testing.

Before the Procedure

Before having surgery, you will be given specific instructions to follow, which might include your lifestyle habits and diet. You will also be asked to reach the hospital in time for surgery and bring someone along. Moreover, your doctor might ask you to stop using a particular medicine. These medicines consist of the following Medicines for arthritis, Clotting agents, and Medications are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs).

During the Procedure

Your surgeon will replace the damaged tissue with the replacement implant. Doctors can employ two different types of artificial joints for elbow replacement surgery. The kind of joint used depends on the surgical goal.

You’ll be on your side or back during the operation. The doctor will:

• Raise your elbow so that it is 90 degrees bent.
• Cut the back of your elbow and disengage the muscles.
• Get rid of the joint’s surrounding scar tissue.
• Incorporate the artificial joint stems into the Ulna and Humerus.
• Put some bone cement on the stems to secure them in place.
• Use a hinge pin to join the stems (if linked).
• A padded surgical dressing covers the region and closes the incision. They could also come with a surgical tube for draining fluid.

After the Procedure

You will spend some time recovering in the recovery area after surgery. The length of your hospital stay following surgery will depend on your specific condition and the type of surgery performed. After surgery, you might need a splint or sling for a few days or weeks. To prevent fluid from accumulating at the elbow, you might also need a temporary device called a drain. Your medical staff will go over the activities you should perform to speed up your recovery.

Recovery Period

You’ll probably spend a few days in the hospital following elbow arthroplasty. Your post-operative care may involve pain medication and rehabilitation activities while you’re in the hospital and recovering at home.

After surgery, it’s possible that you won’t be able to use your elbow unaided for some weeks. This includes pressing against resistance or placing weight on the arm.

You can still have certain limitations when the recuperation phase is over. Never lift anything heavier than 2.25 to 4.5 kilograms. Also, you would need to avoid sports and activities with a high fall risk. These actions could make the artificial elbow joint more likely to become damaged.

Who is eligible for Elbow Replacement Surgery?

If you are suffering from the following conditions, you might be the right candidate for an elbow replacement surgery –

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis, the most prevalent inflammatory arthritis, is an autoimmune condition that affects the lining of joints and results in chronic, excruciating swelling that can cause cartilage loss, joint pain, and stiffness.
• Osteoarthritis is a “wear and tear” condition typically affecting persons over 50. It happens when the cartilage in joints erodes, causing the bones to scrape painfully against one another.
• Post-traumatic Arthritis, a highly prevalent arthritis, can affect any joint previously subjected to physical trauma or injury.

Elbow Instability or Dislocation

Elbow instability and dislocations are frequently brought on by damage to the ligaments holding the joint together and to the joint itself. 

Fracture or Broken Elbow

A complete elbow joint replacement may be required if an elbow is broken, there is a significant fracture in one or both of the bones that make up the elbow, or if an earlier fracture does not heal properly.

Risks Associated with Elbow Replacement Surgery

As with all procedures, complications from elbow replacement surgery might arise immediately after the procedure or over time. Thus, an elbow replacement surgery carries the following risks-

• Bleeding
• Damage to nearby nerves caused by surgery
• The artificial joint dislocates.
• Infection
• Implant-related issues include gradual loosening or degeneration of the artificial joint’s pieces.
• Side-effects of anaesthesia.

At Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, we strive to offer you the best orthopaedic treatment involving precise Elbow Replacement surgery. Our medical experts provide a highly effective surgical approach with a patient-centric mindset. The nurses and other medical staff will be present 24/7 to provide extra care for you before, during, and after the surgery.

Book an appointment now to consult the best surgeons at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka.