Understanding the structure of Elbow

Our elbow joint is one of the complex joints between the bones humerus in the upper arm and
ulna and radius in the forearm. This joint allows the flexibility and movement of arm and helps in rotation of wrist and forearm.

The other two main parts of this joint are: the trochlea and the capitulum. There is also a smooth articular cartilage that covers the ends of all the three bones that form the elbow joint. It provides lubrication and strength to the elbow joint. Synovial fluid produced by synovial membrane prevents friction and wear & tear of the joint area.

Total Elbow Replacement Surgery in India

Elbow replacement surgery is a procedure to replace the damaged or diseased areas of the elbow joint with artificial components, called implants. The goals of elbow replacement surgery are to relieve pain and restore function.

Total elbow replacement surgery in India can be an effective treatment for patients suffering from debilitating elbow pain. This type of surgery involves replacing the entire elbow joint with an artificial implant. Elbow replacement surgery can offer patients significant pain relief and improved function.

If you are looking for the best hospitals in India for total elbow replacement surgery, then contact us. Total elbow replacement surgery is a complex procedure that requires careful planning and execution. Patients should only undergo this type of surgery if they are healthy enough to tolerate the rigors of post-operative rehabilitation.

What happens during Total Elbow Replacement Surgery?

The surgery is usually done under general anesthesia or nerve block anesthesia. On the scheduled day and time of surgery, you will be shifted to the operation theatre where you will be asked to lie down on the OT table, after which the anesthetist will give you anesthesia. Once you get unconscious, your surgeon will make a small incision at the back of the elbow so that he can access the diseased area.

After carefully removing the muscles and tissues around the elbow joint, he will get an access to the bone. The surgeon will then prepare the area for fitting in the implants after removing the diseased parts. He will initially put replacement stems in the bones with the help of bone cement. A hinge pin is used to connect both the stems. This provides stability to the joint. After the completion of this procedure, an x-ray is taken to see if the implants are properly placed. The surgical site is then closed using stitches or staples. A bandage or padded dressing is placed at the surgical site for protecting the incision while it is healing.

The surgery usually takes around 2 to 3 hours.

After the operation, you will be shifted to a recovery area where all the vitals are regularly monitored by the nursing team and pain killers and antibiotics are given to administer the post op pain. You may be asked to keep your hand stable for the next few hours.

Once your condition gets stable, you will be shifted to the ward area where you will be receiving physical therapy and post op management will be done.

Post-op Recovery:

Once you have been discharged from the hospital and get back home, kindly consider the following points during post-op recovery period:

• Do not take the help of arms while getting in or out of bed or sitting on a chair.
• Avoid putting your arm in any extreme position for at least 4 to 6 weeks.
• You will be asked to undergo physiotherapy after surgery for the next few weeks or months. Make sure you follow the instructions given by your physical therapist correctly.
• Avoid lifting any heavy weight for few months, till your doctor has allowed you for the same.
• Do not bend or twist in a way that it strains the surgical site.
• You will also be required to wear a sling for the next 2 to 4 weeks. This acts as a support and protects your arm.
• Check with your doctor regarding returning to normal daily life activities like getting back to work, driving, etc.

Inform your treating doctor immediately in case of following symptoms:

• Severe pain or drainage from the surgical site.
• Numbness in the shoulder area.
• High fever.
• Redness, swelling or bleeding from the incision area.

Risks involved in the surgery:

Following are the common risks involved in Total Elbow Replacement Surgery:

• Common complications like reaction to medicines, bleeding, blood clots or breathing problems.
• The artificial joints have allergic reactions in some cases.
• Damage to the blood vessels or nerves during surgery.
• Breakage of healthy delicate bone during surgery.
• Dislocation of the new artificial joint.
• Chances of an artificial implant getting loose over a period of time.
• Post op stiffness in the elbow joint due to incomplete or improper rehabilitation.

All the above risks can be avoided or taken care of if the patient is in the right hands, that is, under the care of an expert doctor and healthcare facility.

Cost of Total Elbow Replacement Surgery in India

A total elbow replacement surgery in India can cost start from $6,500 USD. The surgery is a major procedure that involves replacing the damaged or diseased elbow joint with an artificial one. It is usually recommended for patients who have severe arthritis or other degenerative conditions of the elbow joint.

The cost of the surgery includes the hospital stay, surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee and other miscellaneous expenses. The hospital stay is usually for 5-7 days. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

Total elbow replacement surgery is a very successful procedure with good long-term results. Most patients experience significant pain relief and improvement in their ability to perform daily activities after the surgery.