Elbow Joint Replacement - Low Cost Surgery Under Knee Replacement in India's World Class Hospitals

Elbow joint replacement is also called elbow arthroplasty. The elbow is a hinge joint consisting of three bones: the humerus bone of the upper arm, and the ulna (bone on the small - finger side ) and radius (bone on the thumb side) bones of the forearm which are side by side. All three of these bones are in contact with each other.

The most common reason for an artificial elbow replacement is arthritis. There are two main types of arthritis, degenerative and systemic. Degenerative arthritis is also called wear-and-tear arthritis, or osteoarthritis. Any injury to the elbow can damage the joint and lead to degenerative arthritis. Arthritis may not show up for many years after the injury.

Joint replacement surgery is usually considered a last option for a badly damaged and painful elbow joint. It is highly technical procedure; each step plays a critical role in the outcome.

Procedure of Elbow Joint Replacement as below :

The orthopedic surgeon makes an incision, usually in the back of the upper and lower arm, to expose the elbow joint. Special, precision guides and instruments will be used to cut the ends of the humerus (upper arm bone) and ulna (forearm bone), and prepare the bone to accept the implant.

The orthopedic surgeon then drills out a portion of the center of the humerus and ulna and inserts one part of the artificial joint into each bone. The artificial joint consists of two stems made of high-quality metal. They are joined together with a metal and plastic hinge that allows the artificial elbow joint to bend. The artificial joints come in different sizes to fit the patient.

Usually, bone cement is used to hold the stems in place.

The surgeon then attaches the two stems together with the hinge system. The orthopedic surgeon closes the wound with stitches, applies a bandage, and might place the arm in a splint for stability.

This procedure is done under general anesthesia. The surgery usually takes one to three hours. Depending on your specific situation, you will probably remain in the hospital from one to three days.

In this surgical procedure complications can occur. Some of the most common complications following elbow replacement are -

o anesthesia
o infection
o loosening
o nerve or blood vessel injury

The success rate of TER ( Total Elbow Replacement ) is approximately 80% (Conzemius and others 2003). This means that 20% of dogs have complications with the procedure and this can lead to the need for further surgery perhaps requiring fusion (arthrodesis) of the elbow, or even amputation.

Every case is unique and requires careful evaluation before an estimate can be given. However, elbow replacement cases typically cost in the range of $5000, but can run higher if additional surgery becomes necessary.

Shoulder, hip replacement, hip resurfing, knee replacement surgery and other most advanced computer navigated joint replacement surgery is done at serveral hospitals in India such as Apollo Hospital in Mumbai, Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai, Apollo Speciality Hospital in Chennai, MOIT hospital, Chennai etc. which compares with the USA & U.K.