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 (see figure 1). 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.
Most people make a good recovery, have less pain and can move their elbow better.
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.
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