The arm consists of the humerus (upper arm bone), the ulna, and the radius (the two bones that make up the forearm). The three bones come together to form the elbow joint. An injury to the elbow joint causes severe pain to the patient and limits the joint’s ability to move, and despite patients’ fear of undergoing a replacement surgery Elbow joint, but it is necessary in cases of severe damage to the joint.
Elbow joint replacement surgery
Elbow joint replacement surgery is a surgical operation that aims to replace the elbow joint with an artificial one, due to the severe pain that the patient feels while moving the joint due to the joint being affected by severe inflammation resulting from many causes.
Cases of resorting to elbow joint replacement surgery
There are many health problems that cause inflammation in the elbow joint and limit its ability to move, and then the patient feels severe pain that may be unbearable, and these health problems include:
Autoimmune diseases that greatly affect the body’s joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic erythematoslas.
Osteoarthritis is a disease in which the cartilage that prevents the joint bones from rubbing together wears out, causing the bones in the joint to erode.
Severe fractures.
Vascular osteonecrosis resulting from some immune diseases that affect blood vessels, such as lupus erythematosus and atherosclerosis, which leads to a lack of blood supply to the joint and its erosion.
Some health problems affecting the ligaments responsible for holding the joint in place.
Necessary examinations before performing elbow joint replacement surgery
The surgeon must talk to the patient, take his medical history, and find out what medications the patient is taking. Then the surgeon requests some tests to detect the condition of the joint and check on some vital functions in the body. These tests include the following:
Radiograph of the elbow joint.
Complete blood count.
urine anlysis.
Kidney functions.
Liver functions.
Coagulation profile
Blood sugar level analysis.
Preparing the patient before elbow joint replacement surgery
After informing the surgeon of the patient’s medical history and knowing all the medications he is taking, the surgeon advises to stop taking some medications at least two weeks before the elbow joint replacement surgery to avoid any complications during the operation. Among these medications are:
Blood thinners (dilution medications).
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
How to perform an elbow joint replacement operation
Elbow joint replacement surgery is a surgical procedure that takes between one and two hours in the operating room. It is performed under general anesthesia and the following steps are performed:
A surgical incision is made in the elbow joint, penetrating the triceps muscle located at the back of the arm to reach the joint.
Replacing the bone surfaces that make up the joint with artificial ones to reshape the joint.
Replace the worn-out joint with another made of metal or plastic.
The joint is stabilized by a hinge pin attached to the joint, which is inserted into the socket of the arm bone.
Close the surgical incision and put a bandage over it.
Procedures followed after elbow joint replacement surgery
The patient stays in the hospital for up to 4 days to ensure the success of the operation and to check on the patient’s general health.
The patient’s arm remains in a splint throughout the recovery period, which ranges between 4-6 weeks, to ensure joint stability.
Physical therapy (or physiotherapy) is necessary after removing the splint to rehabilitate the new joint.
The patient should avoid lifting, pulling, or pushing heavy objects throughout the recovery period.
You must adhere to the medications prescribed by the doctor, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and analgesics.
Dr. Gado Center – Consultant Orthopedic and Artificial Joint Surgery – offers an integrated treatment system before, during and after the elbow joint replacement surgery. You can book an appointment through the telephone numbers shown on the website.