Elbow Replacement Surgery

Arthritis, Fracture May Require Elbow Replacement
Elbow pain and stiffness often come from arthritis, in which the cartilage of the joint is damaged. A serious fracture of one or more bones in your elbow can also lead to pain and limited movement. Some fractures are difficult to repair and may not heal properly, which can also lead to arthritis. Other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to joint destruction requiring elbow replacement.

What to Expect
Elbow replacement surgery preserves movement and limited function in the elbow joint. However, it does not return your elbow to its original strength and mobility, so you will be limited in terms of how much weight you can lift with the affected arm. For that reason, doctors may not recommend the surgery for younger, more active people.

Experience and Innovation
The experience level of the team is one of the most important predictors of success with elbow replacement. Duke’s orthopaedic surgeons perform many elbow replacement surgeries each year. A Duke doctor co-developed the first successful modern artificial elbow joint, which set the standard for elbow replacement. We continue to study patients' outcomes following surgery to ensure they experience a better quality of life.

A Team of Professionals
Our elbow surgeons, nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, anesthesiologists, and radiologists combine their skills and expertise to give you the best care when you have elbow replacement surgery.