Total elbow replacement

It is recommended when the elbow is severely damaged or painful: severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, after-effects of a fracture, or a complex fracture in certain patients. The main aim is to reduce pain and restore a more functional elbow for everyday activities: eating, combing one’s hair, getting dressed, and carrying small objects.

It is an effective procedure carried out on an outpatient basis, but it is unique: an elbow prosthesis is less tolerant of heavy strain than a hip or knee prosthesis. After the operation, patients must avoid heavy loads, repeated weight-bearing and forceful movements. The main aim is to achieve a flexible, stable and pain-free elbow, suited to normal daily life, not to heavy labour.

Rehabilitation begins almost immediately to enable patients to regain independence in carrying out everyday activities from the very first weeks following the operation.