Elbow endoprosthesis Warsaw

Endoprosthesis (alloplasty) of the elbow joint is a surgical procedure that involves the application of an artificial joint (endoprosthesis) to the affected area. As a result, the natural functions of the joint are restored, and the patient regains freedom of elbow movement, gets rid of pain, and after a few months returns to normal life. The operation involves removing the used structures of the elbow joint and replacing them with artificial components. Endoprostheses are made of safe metals that have an neutral effect on the body, so the risk of rejection of the implant is minimal. The endoprosthesis consists of a stem – which is inserted into the marrow canal of the femur, and a spherical head is mounted on it to replicate the acetabulum. It allows movement in all planes.

Elbow joint degeneration can be caused by lesions of a primary or secondary nature. In the first case, age-related natural wear and tear processes are primarily responsible for the disease. Secondary changes are caused by chronic disease processes, among others: rheumatoid arthritis, congenital dysplasia, as well as any trauma – fractures, dislocations, leading to anatomical imbalance of the hand. Also of additional importance is the patient’s obesity, which contributes to overloading the musculoskeletal system.

Elbow joint endoprostheses can be divided into several types

• Bonded, semi-bonded, unbonded endoprosthesis – depends on how the bones that make up the joint are connected to each other.
• Total endoprosthesis – involves the complete replacement of the components that make up the elbow joint
• Partial endoprosthesis – involves partial replacement of the components that make up the elbow joint

Qualification for elbow joint replacement surgery is carried out during a consultation with a specialist in orthopedics and musculoskeletal traumatology at Medi Horizon Clinic. During the consultation, a history is taken, imaging results are discussed and a qualifying examination is performed. The clinic is most often approached by people who present themselves with:

• Rheumatoid arthritis,
• Degenerative changes of the elbow joint,
• Various types of dysfunction and instability of the elbow joint,
• Past fractures within the joint.

Elbow endoprosthesis surgery is performed under general anesthesia under the care of an anesthesiologist in the operating theater located in our clinic. During the operation, the orthopedist makes an incision several cm long. Then the joint capsule is incised along with the proximal part of the annular ligament. After the joint is exposed, or more precisely after the neck of the radius bone is exposed, the specialist begins replacing the elbow joint. The endoprosthesis is precisely fitted and checked for mobility in all planes. Finally, the specialist precisely closes the wounds.

During the consultation, the patient is given a list of recommendations and tests to be performed before the operation. Necessary blood tests are required, and an EKG and chest X-ray are performed. After all the tests are done, a date is set for consultation with the Anesthesiologist. During the anesthesiology consultation, the results of the tests are discussed in detail and the details of the anesthesia are established.

Patients can take with them the most necessary items such as pajamas, loose clothes, a toothbrush, necessary cosmetics and an ID card.

The patient stays in our clinic after the operation under the care of qualified medical staff for up to 2 days after the operation. Rehabilitation begins a few hours after the operation. A qualified physiotherapist teaches the patient how to move the operated hand carefully and correctly. At the beginning of rehabilitation, it is recommended that the patient perform simple basic activities such as dressing, brushing teeth and eating. During this time, the operated elbow joint must not be overstressed. The most important thing is for the patient to be systematic and follow all medical and physiotherapist recommendations. Return to full fitness usually takes about 6 months.

The elbow joint endoprosthesis primarily frees the patient from chronic severe pain and the use of painkillers. It allows to restore physical fitness in daily activities. Most importantly, patients regains the former mobility of the elbow joint after surgery, and it is also possible to play sports.