An elbow replacement is usually suitable for people who have arthritis. If you suffer severe pain, stiffness and disability, an elbow replacement should reduce your pain and help you to move your arm more easily.
Your surgeon will make a cut on the back of your elbow joint and remove the damaged joint surfaces. They will then replace these with an artificial elbow joint made with metal, plastic, ceramic, or a combination of these materials. The elbow replacement is fixed into the bone using acrylic cement.
The operation usually takes between one and two hours. A variety of anaesthetic techniques is possible. You should be able to go home after two to five days.
You will need to use a support for the elbow for six weeks.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
An artificial elbow never feels quite the same as a normal elbow. It is unlikely that you will be able to fully straighten your elbow and an elbow replacement can wear out with time.
General complications
Specific complications
This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
As a private patient at The Horder Centre you can get faster access to the very best orthopaedic consultants.
Our friendly customer services team are always happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our treatments or services.
Horder Healthcare provides the highest quality services to NHS, privately insured and self pay patients, from initial consultation and diagnostic tests right through to surgical treatment and rehabilitation.
We reinvest our profit to benefit more people and help us achieve our aim of advancing health.
