Elbow Arthroplasty

When we think about performing tasks with the upper extremities, what usually comes to mind is our hands and wrists. But without the elbow, so much of what you do each day would be impossible. The elbows are vital to some of the daily tasks we perform including picking up objects, washing your hair, or anything that requires you to turn your palm up or down. If you are experiencing elbow pain or other joint mobility from arthritis or bone fractures, don’t hesitate to contact the caring and experienced orthopedic specialists at Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to see if you are a candidate for elbow arthroplasty. In the right hands, elbow arthroplasty can greatly improve the quality of life for many people.

OVERVIEW

Elbow replacement surgery (sometimes referred to as total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is a procedure used to replace some or all of a joint.  Elbow arthroplasty is performed for the most debilitating pathologies in which the elbow joint is extensively damaged. It is used to relieve pain and restore motion to a seriously damaged elbow. Elbow replacement surgery or elbow arthroplasty does not always involve the entire elbow. In some people, only part of the joint is replaced. Although elbow joint replacement is much less common than knee, hip, or shoulder replacement, it is just as successful in relieving joint pain and returning people to daily activities. The ideal patient is older than 60 years and has a low functional demand. It is also used in selected cases of debilitating arthritis in young people.

ABOUT THE ELBOW

The elbow is a complex joint where the humerus bone of the upper arm connects with the bones of the lower arm (the ulna and radius). These bones are cushioned by articular cartilage, which keeps them from rubbing together while in motion and allows them to move freely. Smooth tissue called the synovial membrane also creates a fluid to help lubricate the joint. The “funny bone” is the protrusion at the end of the ulna known as the olecranon. The elbow joint is stabilized by ligaments at the front, back, and sides.  Muscles and tendons in the joint enable one to bend and straighten the arm and rotate the forearm without moving the upper arm. The ulnar nerve runs through the elbow and into the forearm, along with a network of vital blood vessels.

WHAT IS WRIST ARTHROPLASTY?

In total elbow replacement surgery, the damaged part of the humerus and ulna are replaced with artificial components. The artificial elbow joint (implant) is made up of a metal and plastic hinge with two metal stems. The stems fit inside the hollow part of the bone called the canal and matches the contours of the patient’s body. Elbow replacements can be done in two ways:

linked implant or unlinked implant. (most in the US are linked)

• Linked implant: A metal stem is implanted, or anchored, in the upper arm bone (the humerus). Another metal stem is implanted in the ulna, which is one of the two bones in the forearm. After the implants are cemented in place, the stems are connected with a hinge in the elbow.
• Unlinked implant: The two implants are placed the same way as they are in the linked procedure. However, they are not connected with the hinge. They are held in place with the muscles, ligaments, and other natural parts of the elbow.

There are drawbacks and advantages to both types of replacement. The hinge in the linked implant may become stretched and loose over time. That’s why there are lifting restrictions after surgery. An unlinked implant requires the ligaments, muscles, and tissues of the elbow to be in good shape. If they are damaged, then the joint will be unstable. Physical therapy is a critical part of keeping the muscles and tissues strong and stable. Research shows that older adults who experience severe fractures often do better with an elbow arthroplasty than with the traditional plates and screws used to repair a broken bone. Older bones are often more fragile and the bone quality may not be good enough to hold the joint together.

Read more about Elbow Arthroplasty on our new Colorado Springs Orthopedic News Site – Colorado Springs Orthopedic News. Schedule an appointment with an elbow specialist today.