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Total Elbow Replacement - I have had this done. Anyone else?

Posted , 57 users are following.

jaw1204
jaw1204

In June 2014 I had my left elbow replaced.  At the present time this is 9 weeks ago. I have had good progress but concerned about doing anything that will make it come loose.

Has anyone else had the same operation and how has it been and has there been any problem with the joint coming loose? 

1 like, 264 replies

264 Replies

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  • ihavenonickname
    ihavenonickname jaw1204

    Posted

    I am going to have both elbows and both shoulders replaced plus extensive resection right hand...how are you now?
    • jaw1204
      jaw1204 ihavenonickname

      Posted

      Hi - I am fine now, it is second nature not to pick up heavy stuff, push heavy doors etc with my replaced elbow arm.

      Both elbows and shoulders will be a challenge - but people have had it done and get on with stuff.   

    • ihavenonickname
      ihavenonickname jaw1204

      Posted

      Thank you so kindly ..2.5 weeks out R elbow...have 171 degrees extension and mighty fine flexion. 3-4 months more non weight bearing. Allowed to feed myself and drink a cup of coffee...still working on lifting empty cup. 15 mg morphine sulfate extended relief every 12 hours holding pain at a 1!! Doing awsome! One elbow, two shoulders, and both hands to go...JRA be damned!
  • jerry40981
    jerry40981 jaw1204

    Posted

    Thanks for the information on the limitations post surgery. I am also wondering how much the range of motion returns in both the elbow and the wrist? also how long was it between the injury and this replacement? I fractured both elbows in 1997 and am concerned that the muscles are used to their current ability but not sure if that is truly the case.
    • jaw1204
      jaw1204 jerry40981

      Posted

      Hi

      I have full motion in my arm, my elbow, my wrist hand and fingers.  

      It was around 6 weeks between the injury and gaetting the replacement. You would need to check as I understand that it can be more difficult if left, and I only say that becasue after searching out and finding the best surgeon I could - which took me the 6 weeks - he did say he wanted to get on with it asap as it would be settling into a position.    

    • Ninge78
      Ninge78 jaw1204

      Posted

      Hi . How long did it take you post op to gain full range of motion ?

      I'm 11.5 wks post op . I can nearly straighten my arm and raise it up to my shoulder I just can't touch it as I have hardly any range

    • jaw1204
      jaw1204 Ninge78

      Posted

      Hi I had full range pretty well straight away although I was nervous of causing damage. 
    • Ninge78
      Ninge78 jaw1204

      Posted

      Hi it should of said rotate not touch. I still cannot do Palm up or Palm down. I had my right radial head replaced after a fall. What did you have replaced ?
  • 3potcakes
    3potcakes jaw1204

    Posted

    I am a 56 year old woman living in FL and have had RA for 36 years. My right elbow is fixed and partially fused due to RA. I am in extreme pain every day as I am bone on bone. The surgeons here keep telling me to wait the surgery is to limiting. On the other hand I have found no one who can manage this pain. One surgeon even told me not to have this surgery done in South Florida because they have not done enough of them here. I cant seem to find enough information on surgeons who have a lot of experience with these. I am very active and I would like to hold off as long as I can but the pain is debilitating. Feeling hopeless.
    • jaw1204
      jaw1204 3potcakes

      Posted

      It is really important you find the best surgeon - one that has experience and knowledge. They can be difficult to find. There are limitations, but I dont have any pain and I have all movements. Cannot lift over 5kg though.

           

    • 3potcakes
      3potcakes jaw1204

      Posted

      I know the weight restriction holds me back but I'm to the point where the pain management people can't help me so I may be forced into the surgery.

      im so frustrated. Can't take anti inflammatory,s anymore because my kidney tests are running high. The Dr.s have left me with nothing.

      i have done some research trying to find a surgeon. I still don't know where to turn. Thank you for your help.

    • 3potcakes
      3potcakes jaw1204

      Posted

      How did you find your surgeon and were you really comfortable with him?

      how many has he done?

    • jaw1204
      jaw1204 3potcakes

      Posted

      I researched hard on the internet. My surgeon does more than tbe other surgeons i talked with and some had only fone a few. He also does corrective surgery where a poor job has been and he runs seminars to other surgeons on the subject. He works at a hospital which is a long way from where I live but based on my research I had confidence in him. He was the 9th surgeon who looked at my situation.
    • ihavenonickname
      ihavenonickname jaw1204

      Posted

      Keep up with your search...look to University medical centers first...they are on the front edge of research...travel as far as u can to see the best ortho you can, after all the elbow will be with you for the rest of your life.

      Love my month old right elbow replacement. 2-3 more months and the restrictions will be lifted! I searched on the internet, read many surgeons history, where they went to school, place of their residency, special positions...and found the very best.

      Buying the cheapest, going to the corner because it is close, settling for less because you are weary from the search...is not how to find the surgeon who can restore your elbow.

      kind regards

    • jaw1204
      jaw1204 ihavenonickname

      Posted

      Yes look at the history and reviews of the surgeon. it is essential to get the best you can. Mine is 2 and a half years old now. The restrictions do not get lifted after 2 or 3 months. They remain as a precaution. The joint can work loose and this can result in the need for ra second replacement - which will potentially be more difficult.          
    • 3potcakes
      3potcakes ihavenonickname

      Posted

      Thank you, I have been looking into sports medicine surgeons as well as I am in Florida and baseball territory. Miami seems to be the place I would have to go thus far. Mine is the right elbow as well. Haven't had any luck with pain control. So frustrating. There must be something that can help make me more comfortable in the meantime. I have had many surgeries due to RA  this one is very intimidating. I work and am an artist and recovery time is long.

    • irene2391
      irene2391 3potcakes

      Posted

      I have to have my left elbow replaced. Fortunately I live near Portland, Oregon where several expert elbow surgeons practice. The surgeon told me she recently performed surgery on a 90 year old lady who is doing well. I am an avid golfer but unable to play since my accident. Doctor told me I will be able to play golf with an elbow replacement. Wish I knew a golfer who had the surgery. Don't know what to do. See the doctor again on Tuesday Dec 23.

      Blessings

    • pknaturgrl
      pknaturgrl 3potcakes

      Posted

      I had the same thing and went ahead with the elbow replacement last October, 2016. It has headed well and I have full range of motion now and no pain. I am having some trouble with the joint toggling looosely side to side which my Dr thinks is "normal play" and may get better as my ligaments heal and muscles strengthen. Go for it as soon as you find someone you can trust to do it!

    • Flossyjojo
      Flossyjojo pknaturgrl

      Posted

      Thank you. Am seeing specialist Friday to discuss the surgery. Was it a day stay or overnight for you? Are you in the USA? I'm in New Zealand, they like to get you out ASAP!!

    • pknaturgrl
      pknaturgrl Flossyjojo

      Posted

      I am in the US in New Mexico. I had it done at the University of NM hospital and the care was excellent. I was in the hospital 5  days (because I had surgery on Friday and I could not get a rehab placement on the weekend). They would not let me go home alone as I had no help at home (I live alone) .
    • cathy1958
      cathy1958 pknaturgrl

      Posted

      I live in South Florida, I was told to go to the hospital for Special Surgeries in NY. I am in pain daily with very limited ROM. I am very nervous to have the surgery after reading some of the post op problems people have posted they have had. It's great that you are pain free. It sounds like you found a good Dr. I have numbing in my little finger and the one next to it. I have no limit on how much I lift like I would after surgery, but still see people with the same problems I have now only after surgery. Can you post the name of the Dr you had do your surgery.

      Thanks much...Cathy

    • pknaturgrl
      pknaturgrl cathy1958

      Posted

      Dr. Eric Benson. The numbness in your 4th & 5 th fingers is from ulnar nerve impingement. I had that too, but luckily it is gone noe. He had to move the ulnar nerve in the surgery to get it out of the way of the new joint and that is when many get ulnar nerve problems.

    • Lulujane1
      Lulujane1 jaw1204

      Posted

      Hey Jaw, 5 kgs is too much. 2.5 is absolute max but my surgeon wants me lift only 500 grams for at least 2 years after surgery. Thought I should say something so you don’t hurt your elbow replacement. 
    • Ninge78
      Ninge78 irene2391

      Posted

      Hi there. Research iv done says no impact sports for the rest of your life . My hobby was weight lifting 😏. I think we will all have to find a new hobbie

    • christine76972
      christine76972 pknaturgrl

      Posted

      HI there,

      I hope that you get this. I had left elbow replaced 5 weeks ago. I also have the toggling effect which you described. Has this caused long term problems or did it settle down.

      Id be very grateful for a reply. x

    • jerryk
      jerryk irene2391

      Posted

      I'm also a golfer and may need an elbow replacement due to trauma. Did you get the replacement and how did it go?

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