Elbow arthroplasty
Elbow arthroplasty is a modern surgical operation to replace a damaged joint (or its components) with an artificial implant. This method is used in difficult situations of joint injury or disease when other methods do not improve or stop the development of joint deformity.
When you feel constant progressive pain in the elbow area, cannot move your arm fully or use it normally in everyday life, you should seriously consider the option of an endoprosthesis. As the inflammatory process in the elbow progresses, it changes the structure of the cartilage to a worse position every day, and deformation of the joint bag, adjacent bones and muscles can lead to complete loss of arm function.
INDICATIONS FOR ENDOPROSTHETICS
osteoarthritis of the elbow joint;- rheumatoid arthritis;
- systemic lupus erythematosus;
- dysplasia;
- bone fragmentation;
- ankylosis;
- frequent dislocations, old fractures with joint contracture;
- benign and malignant tumors;
- congenital anomalies of the elbow joint structure.
Some of these diseases are caused by factors such as Bechterev's disease, chronic gout, and neuropathy in diabetes mellitus.
Although endoprosthetics is a high-tech procedure with minimal risks, there is still a list of contraindications:
- Some infectious diseases.
- Diabetes mellitus in the stage of decompensation.
- Hepatic or renal failure.
- Severe lung pathologies.
- Serious cardiovascular diseases.
- Rheumatoid arthritis in the acute stage.
TYPES OF PROSTHESES FOR THE ELBOW JOINT
Depending on the injury and disease of the joint, one of two types of elbow implants is selected for each patient:
Non-articulated prosthesis. This is a superficial type of endoprosthetics in which the structure is fixed by healthy ligaments. The damaged bone is covered with a shell that replaces the missing parts of the articular head or bone epiphysis.
Articulated prosthesis. This is a total reconstruction of the elbow joint. In addition to the joint itself, damaged ligaments are replaced. The implant has a stiffness axis and movable joints to connect the entire joint area. Such a design is most often installed in elderly people, as it is very sensitive to severe loads and overly active movements, which is typical for young people.
HOW THE OPERATION GOES
After anesthesia, the doctor makes a small incision in the elbow area. The doctor removes the damaged joint or its individual components, cartilage and bone fragments. The doctor fits the prosthesis and checks its function: flexion, extension and amplitude movements. A separate channel is also created for the nerve to avoid pinching by the implant. Then the incision is sutured in layers and a drainage system is installed to drain excess fluid. The skin is tightened with cosmetic staples. In general, the operation lasts 2-3 hours, depending on the scope of the task.
REHABILITATION
You can go home on the 5th-10th day.
Since Vasyl Makarov is a leading arthroplasty surgeon in Ukraine, he has had successful outcomes in almost 100% patients. But the result largely depends on proper rehabilitation. The doctor prescribes an individual program for each patient to ensure proper and quick recovery. Rehabilitation begins on the first day after surgery. At first, the elbow is fixed with a bandage or bandage to reduce mobility. And then exercises for gradual loading of the joint, massages, medication, possible ultrasound, magnetic therapy, exercises in the pool are prescribed. Proper nutrition also improves muscle and ligament regeneration.
The result of elbow arthroplasty surgery is a healthy range of motion, standard load on the joint, normal rotation, flexion and extension without pain. Within a few months, the patient fully returns to the usual rhythm of life, including sports and activities. In severe cases, an endoprosthesis is the best option not only to stop the destruction of the elbow joint, but also to restore its full functionality.
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