Total Elbow Replacement

Total Elbow Replacement Overview

Total elbow replacement is a surgical treatment option for severe elbow arthritis that does not improve after nonsurgical treatment. Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) upper extremity specialists perform total elbow replacement surgery.

How is total elbow replacement performed?

Total elbow replacement is an inpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. After the patient is comfortably positioned and completely asleep, a CONA upper extremity specialist:

• Carefully removes arthritic bone and cartilage
• Bonds artificial joint components to bone

The new joint moves freely and easily and does not cause pain. Patients live symptom-free lives with minimal to no restrictions.

What does total elbow replacement surgery treat?

Total elbow replacement surgery treats severe elbow arthritis. Symptoms that dramatically improve after surgery include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Tenderness