Elbow replacement

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

Total elbow arthroplasty; Endoprosthetic elbow replacement

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.

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

Review Date: 03/09/2007
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.