|
|
|
Elbow Replacement |
|
|
Indications for operation: |
|
|
Elbow joint arthritis causing pain which has not responded
to conservative treatment |
|
|
Anaesthetic: |
|
|
General Anaesthetic with an regional block. (You will be fully asleep
and a local anaesthetic injection into the side of the neck will numb the nerves
to the elbow for post-operative pain relief) |
|
|
Operation type:
Open |
|
|
Incisions: A 12 cm incision will be made over the back of the elbow |
|
|
Procedure: |
|
|
The triceps muscle (extends the elbow) will be cut and moved to one side.
The end of the humerus (arm bone) will be shaped using a saw to receive the implant.
The ulna (the bone which forms the tip of the elbow) will also be prepared to receive
a new surface. The radial head will be excised. The new elbow joint will be inserted
and fixed into place using a special cement. The tissues will be sewn back to their
original positions. A small vacuum drain may be inserted into the joint to allow
any blood which collects after the operation to be removed.
|
|
|
|
|
Wound Closure: |
|
|
A single long dissolving stitch under the skin and paper stitches
over the top will be used to close the wound. |
|
|
Dressings:
|
|
|
Elastoplast dressings will be placed over the top of the paper stitches
and an adhesive bandage over the top of this. A plaster cast may be used for the
first few days to keep the elbow straight.
|
|
|
Immediate aftercare:
|
|
|
You will wake up with a sling on the arm and your arm may feel
numb for the rest of the day. There will be an IV line (a drip) in your other arm.
A vacuum drain may be connected to your operated elbow. You will need to remain
in hospital until the drain is removed and you are comfortable. A physiotherapist
will see you and you will be given instructions on what to do next.
|
|
|
