Total Elbow Replacement

Joint-replacement surgery has enjoyed enormous success over the past 30 years. This technology originally designed for the hip and knees has been expanded to the elbow. In patients with severe elbow arthritis or difficult-to-treat elbow fractures, the elbow can now be successfully replaced. 

Elbow replacements are done by surgeons at New England Hand Associates.  A complete pre-operative evaluation is necessary to be certain each patient has appropriate surgical indications.

Pictured here, is a replacement elbow joint which is a hinged metal prosthesis that has a proven track record. Many newer and different designs exist.  Most patients enjoy pain relief for many years after elbow-replacement surgery. The most common problems with this joint-replacement surgery are wear and loosening of the prosthetic joint.  Infection is always a concern.

Elbow replacement surgery is best reserved for older, less active patients. Generally, prosthetic elbow joints can not withstand the same loading conditions as lower extremity prosthetics.  Like all total-joint-replacement surgeries, all other nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, activity modification, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and bracing should be exhausted first. Joint-replacement surgery of the elbow may also be indicated immediately in association with certain articular fractures of the elbow based on age and level of fracture.