Elbow replacement surgery

Replacing the damaged surfaces of the elbow with a metal and plastic joint to increase mobility and reduce pain. Also known as an arthroplasty for the elbow.

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Surgery to repair a damaged elbow joint

If your elbow joints have suffered wear and tear, a condition like arthritis or an injury, moving them can become progressively painful.

Your consultant may recommend elbow replacement surgery if other options like physiotherapy and medication haven't helped alleviate your condition.

Need to know

An incision will be made in the back of your elbow joint to avoid the blood vessels and nerves that are on the inside of the elbow. The tendons, ligaments and ulnar nerve are then eased aside to expose the joint. The joint surfaces are then removed and the marrow space within the ulna bone hollowed out to receive a metal stem.

The surgeon repeats the procedure on the humerus and the two bones are then prepared for the fixing in place of a prosthetic hinge, using either a medical adhesive or fine mesh, which supports bone regrowth. Once the prosthetic is in place, your surgeon will close the cut with stitches.

Your consultant will inform you how best to prepare for your surgery. If you're having general anaesthetic, your consultant will let you know how long you should avoid eating or drinking for before your procedure.

You will be given painkillers to relieve any pain you experience immediately following surgery. Depending on your general fitness level, you may need to be cared for in hospital for up to two nights.

You will need to wear a sling for up to two weeks following surgery to support your arm. Your consultant will create a programme for you to rehabilitate your elbow with the physiotherapy team. They will also let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including exercise and work.

Our Elbow replacement surgery locations

The Princess Grace Hospital _ 0523_077

The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients

30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
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City of London - 31 Old Broad Street

City of London 31 Old Broad Street EC2N 1HT London
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Chelsea Outpatients

280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients Entrance

Elstree Waterfront Outpatients

The Waterfront Business Park, Beaufort House Elstree Road, Elstree WD6 3BS Hertfordshire
Eisman Myers

Golders Green Outpatients

Roman House, 296 Golders Green Road Golders Green NW11 9PY London
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Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)

170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
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London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
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The Harborne Hospital

Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
The Lister Hospital main entrance

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
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The Portland Hospital

205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Princess Grace Hospital _ 0523_007

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
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The Shard Outpatients

The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
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The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
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The Wellington Hospital Outpatients

15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA London

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.