Total Elbow Replacement

TOTAL ELBOW REPLACEMENT

Overview

Total elbow replacement is a surgery is a procedure recommended to people suffering from severe pain in the elbow joint which can’t be treated by medicines or any of the preliminary methods. Total elbow replacement also known as total elbow anthroplasty (TEA) is carried on in cases of specific types of arthritis, severe fractures or instability. This surgery is not as common as the hip or knee replacement surgeries, but it has proved to be very helpful in relieving joint pain and getting back the pleasure of doing things they enjoy.

Structure of an Elbow

The elbow consists of three bones i.e. the humerus (the upper arm bone), the radius (forearm bone on the pinky finger side) and the ulna (forearm bone on the thumb side. The three bones are connected with a hinge joint, which is covered with articular cartilage. The articular cartilage is a smooth substance that protects the bones and helps them to move easily. The elbow joint is held together with the help of muscles and ligaments.

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    What is Total Elbow Replacement?

    In case of severe arthritis or multiple fractures of the elbow joint an elbow replacement surgery is recommended. In this surgery the elbow joint is replaced by an artificial joint which consist of two metal stems and a hinge made up of metal or plastic. During the surgery the stems are inserted inside the hollow part of the bone called canal. Artificial elbow joints can either be of linked (semi-constrained) or unlinked (constrained) type. In a linked type of joints all the parts of the joint are physically connected to each other whereas for an unlinked type, there is no physical connection between the parts of the joint. The unlinked type design depends on the surrounding ligaments and muscles to help the joint to hold together. Other than the total elbow replacement, partial elbow replacement can also be done in specific situations.

    Why do you need a Total Elbow Replacement?

    There are various reasons that cause severe elbow pain or swelling up of elbow joint. Some of them are:

    Preparations to be Done Before Surgery

    Surgery

    Recovery After the Surgery

    After the surgery, doses of antibiotics are given in order to prevent infections and relieve pain. Patient is relieved from the hospital after 2-4 days of surgery and is allowed to eat solid food a day after surgery. In case of severe pain even after a few weeks of surgery, it is advised to talk to the surgeon.

    Some hand and wrist exercises are recommended to avoid stiffness and swelling. After the incision heals, elbow exercises are taught so as to speed up the recovery process. It is advised not to put any weight on the arm.

    Risks

    There is no major complication, related to a total elbow replacement surgery, during or after the surgery. However, there can be general complications like

    How much does the Elbow Replacement Surgery Cost?

    Different countries offer different prices for elbow replacement. In India, Total elbow replacement surgery costs around 6000-7500 USD in India. A partial surgery can also be carried out for patients who do not need a total elbow replacement. Partial elbow replacement surgery costs around 5000-6500 USD in India.

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