Elbow Replacement Surgery

Overview

Elbow replacement surgery involves replacing an elbow joint with an artificial (prosthetic) joint to relieve pain and improve elbow motion. Elbow replacement surgery is a treatment option for people with severe arthritis, difficult-to-treat fractures, significant tissue damage and tumors in the elbow region.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Experience and expertise. Mayo Clinic's orthopedic surgeons have expertise in all types of elbow prostheses and elbow replacement surgeries. Mayo Clinic is among the leading medical centers in terms of volumes of joint replacement surgeries. Mayo Clinic surgeons host annual educational seminars to teach other surgeons the latest surgery techniques.
• Advanced technology. Mayo Clinic offers advanced 3-D CT imaging to help make an accurate diagnosis so you receive the appropriate treatment for your needs.
• Diagnostic and surgical innovation. Mayo Clinic doctors have developed a number of diagnostic examinations and surgical techniques to help make elbow replacement a highly effective treatment option. Mayo Clinic is known for performing minimally invasive, joint-preserving surgeries, including osteocapsular arthroplasty, an advanced procedure developed by Mayo Clinic surgeons.
• Research advances. Mayo Clinic's Biomechanics and Motion Analysis Laboratory is a leader in developing, modifying and patenting new prosthesis designs. Because of the work done in this lab, you have access to the latest elbow replacement treatment advances at Mayo Clinic. One of the top prosthesis designs, the Coonrad/Morrey Total Elbow, was adapted by Mayo Clinic surgeons.