Elbow Surgery in India

by Rishabh
Elbow-Surgery

Also known as ‘Total Elbow Arthroplasty’, Elbow Joint Replacement Surgery is done to replace  the bones of the elbow joint with a synthetic one. This particular surgical procedure is quite popular in aged adults wherein joints damaged by fracture are  replaced. More than 90% patients  who have undergone an elbow joint replacement consider artificial elbow a huge success. The elbow joint connects two bones- humerus (in the upper arm) and ulna (in the lower arm).

When is Elbow Replacement Surgery needed?

When the elbow joint gets damaged to such an extent that you are unable to move your arm, Elbow Joint Replacement Surgery is recommended. The major cause of elbow joint damage includes:

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  • Osteoarthritis
  • Bad results from previous elbow surgery
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Post-traumatic arthritis
  • Badly broken bone in the upper or lower arm near the elbow
  • Badly damaged tissues in the elbow
  • Tumor in or around the elbow

Who needs Elbow Replacement Surgery?

Candidates for Elbow Joint Replacement Surgery usually experience deep and severe pain in the elbow joint, difficulty in pulling heavy stuff, no relief from physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medicines, bracing and less invasive surgery.

Types of Elbow Replacement Surgery

There are different types of prosthetic joints available for the elbow replacement. At times, you just  need a replacement of only one portion of the joint and sometime the entire joint needs to be replaced. There are three types of Elbow Joint Replacement surgeries available.

Tennis Elbow Replacement Surgery

Tennis Elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is the most common treatment available for patients seeking surgical treatment for elbow joint pain. It is caused due to small tears of the ligaments that attach forearm muscles to the arm bone in the elbow joint. During this surgery, an incision is made over the outer surface of the joint and thereafter the damaged tendon area is located.

Elbow Arthritis Replacement Surgery

Also known as Elbow debridement, Elbow Arthritis Surgery is a type of surgery wherein arthritis causes significant loss of movement. During the surgery, a 10 centimeter incision is made on the back of the elbow. Thereafter, all the loose bodies and bone spurs that are hindering elbow movement are removed. A fenestration is then made at the end of the arm bone (humerus).

Arthroscopic Elbow Replacement Surgery

It is a surgical procedure wherein a small camera is inserted inside the elbow joint. Small incisions are being made over the elbow and thereafter instruments are inserted to remove and replace damaged parts. Also known as “scoping the elbow’, Arthroscopic Elbow Surgery is a good treatment option for some elbow pains. This type of surgery is conducted to remove loose debris, bone spurs, loosening joint capsules and reviewing cartilage damage.

Total Elbow Replacement

Total Elbow Replacement is a surgical procedure whereby the functional mechanics of the joint are restored by removing scar tissues, balancing muscles and inserting a prosthetic joint in place of the destroyed one. After giving the anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision in the back side of the elbow joint. Thereafter, the tendons and ligaments are removed, exposing the joint. The joint surfaces of the ulna, radius and humerus are removed surgically.

Benefits of Elbow Replacement Surgery

Elbow surgery is one of the most successful joint replacement procedure and most patients are happy with the result.

  • It relieves pain and comfort.
  • It improves flexibility.
  • It prevents the risk of disability.
  • You can participate in sports, exercise and drive road vehicles.

Cost of Elbow Replacement Surgery

The average cost of Elbow Replacement Surgery in India is $7000, which is 1/5 of what you’ll pay in the U.S.A. The cost includes patients stay in a private room for 5 days , medicines, nursing care, food and airport pick up and drop on. Also, the Indian hospitals have all the state of the art equipments to treat the patients.

FAQs of Elbow Replacement Surgery In India

Ques: What is Elbow Replacement Surgery?

Ans: In Elbow Replacement Surgery, the surgeon supplants the bones of the elbow joint with a synthetic implant. Joint of the elbow attaches two bones-humerus (in the upper arm) and ulna (in the lower arm). This is a surgical procedure that is popular in adults. More than 90% of patients experienced an improved quality of life after this surgery and they experienced improved motions and strength.

Ques: What is elbow arthroscopy?

Ans: It is a minimally invasive procedure to review an elbow joint from inside and reparation damages. Elbow arthroscopy includes the insertion of a micro camera from the small incision which allows the visualization of the inside of the elbow joint. This procedure also guides minuscule surgical instruments to repair damages.

Ques: What causes pain in my elbow joint?

Ans: Joint bones are covered with cartilage which is a tough and lubricating tissue, which helps in smooth and pain-free movements to our joint. When this cartilage layer moves from its place, bones start rubbing together which causes swelling, stiffness, discomfort, and pain.

Ques: When Elbow Replacement Surgery is required?

Ans: If your elbow joint becomes damaged and you are not capable of moving your arm then, in this condition, Elbow Joint Replacement Surgery is recommended. There are many major causes that can damage your elbow joints like Rheumatoid arthritis, a severe broken bone in the upper or lower arm near the elbow, Osteoarthritis, damaged tissues in the elbow, and Tumor around the elbow.

Ques: How long does it take to start using my hand after the surgery?

Ans: After your surgery, you will have the dressing on your elbow with the support of splint or a brace. You will be able to move your fingers but your wrist will be restricted from movements. You can slowly bend your elbow and dressing will be removed after 2 weeks of your surgery. After this, the doctor will suggest to you when it is safe for you to use your hands properly.

Ques: How long does the elbow implant last?

Ans: Implants durability will be different for each patient. The implants have restricted life expectancy and it depends on each patient’s weight, age, medical condition, and activity level. Patients should follow the doctor’s instructions after surgery to improve the durability of the Implant.

Ques: What is Tennis Elbow?

Ans: Tennis elbow is also known as Lateral epicondylitis. It is a medical term for damage to muscle and injury in the tendon around the elbow. It is one of the significant problems in Tennis players and this is the reason due to which this injury is named as Tennis Elbow. However, those who do not play tennis can suffer from this problem as well.

Ques: How is the Tennis Elbow treated?

Ans: Tennis elbow can be treated with different conservative methods such as physiotherapy, Plasma Rich platelet injection, pain medications, and Corticosteroid jabs. If these methods fail, then the doctor recommends surgery.

Ques: What are the benefits of elbow arthroscopy in comparison to open surgery?

Ans: Elbow Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that performs with small incisions and it involves a fast recovery as well as no scars. Chances of infection, pain are very less in elbow arthroscopy as compared to open surgery.

Ques: How traumatic elbow injuries can be treated?

Ans: Treatment for minor injuries includes rest, use of ice packs, do not indulge in much hand movements, lifting arm on the higher side, too much pressure on the arm, and it can also be treated with the anti-inflammation medications. Physical therapy will help in providing strength to your muscles and allow the painless motion to your arms. If the patient has an elbow fracture, then he needs to undergo the surgery.

Ques: What are the risks and complications during the surgery?

Ans: As there are risks or complications in every surgical procedure. Elbow replacement surgery also comprises some of the complications including infections, allergic reactions, a broken bone, blood clots, weakness in arm tendons, instability of joints, and pain. Patients should follow the doctor’s recommendations, to reduce these risks.

Ques: What should I do before surgery?

Ans: You should meet the doctors before your surgery and give all information related to your past medical history, and any allergies you have related to any medicines or from food. If you take any type of vitamins or supplements, smoking, and consumption of alcohol then also you should mention them to the doctor as all this information will help the doctor to know you better and plan your treatment.

Ques: Which kind of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?

Ans: Generally, doctors use general anesthesia during this procedure to provide comfort to the patient throughout the surgery.

Ques: What kind of exercise I should indulge in after surgery?

Ans: In the starting, you are allowed to indulge in light exercises which will help to activate your elbow movements. Strengthening exercise gives stability to your elbow joints but you should avoid doing too much and too quickly.

Ques: Will I experience swelling after the surgery?

Ans: Swelling is very common after the surgery. In this case, you should do light movements of your fingers and ice packs will also work.

Ques: How long does it take for me to start driving after the surgery?

Ans: Once you start feeling comfortable with the movements of your hand and stop taking medications then you can drive. Kindly consult the same with your doctor as well.

Ques: Whether an injection can be taken in place of surgery?

Ans: Corticosteroid injections are available for short time relief. However, these injections only help in some cases. You should consult with the doctor and as per his recommendation you can choose between surgery and injection.

Ques: What should I expect during my recovery period?

Ans: You are going to wear a brace for at least 6 weeks. It allows healing to the elbow after your surgery. You have to attend therapy sessions for one or two months which will help you in speedy recovery, full recovery will take approximately 4 to 6 months.

Ques: For how long do I need to stay in the hospital?

Ans: You will be going to stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days. The doctor will discharge you after a detailed evaluation in the hospital.

Ques: How elbow replacement surgery will affect daily life?

Ans: With elbow replacement, your elbow movements will improve which helps to live a normal life as an independent person. After this surgery, you can go back to your daily activities like dressing yourself and cooking. After elbow replacement you need to avoid sports activities, activities from which you can fall, hammering, chopping wood, lifting too much weight to protect your new elbow joint.

Ques: When I should contact my doctor after the surgery?

Ans: The regular follow-ups with your doctor and physiotherapists should be there after the surgery. If you experience breathing problems, bleeding, chest pain, palpitations, fever, problems in passing urine, leg pain, swelling, and numbness in treated arms, pain which cannot be controlled by medicines and any pus or drainage in the incision area then you should consult with your doctor immediately.

Ques: What home care I need after surgery?

Ans: You need some help for the first few weeks in your daily activities. Try to keep all the necessary things in your reach. Do not lift heavy objects and try not to raise your arm.

Ques: How long does it take for me to travel after surgery?

Ans: It is recommendable to wait for 6 weeks after the surgery. You can discuss this with your orthopedic surgeon. Once your doctor allows it, you can trave

Ques: What is the approximate cost for elbow replacement surgery and how I can get an appointment?

Ans: To know about elbow replacement surgery treatment cost and appointment, kindly contact on below details:

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