Elbow Replacement

Candidates for Elbow Replacement

In most cases, patients who are considered for elbow replacement have already been diagnosed with one of these conditions:

• Diseases that cause bone degeneration, or wearing down, of the elbow joint, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• A severe elbow fracture or severely broken arm bone near the elbow
• A tumor, or growth of an abnormal body tissue, around the elbow joint
• Previous elbow surgery that was not successful

Patients with these conditions receive care from a medical team that includes orthopedic surgeons (bone and joint surgeons) and specialists in physical therapy and rehabilitation.

During a comprehensive physical exam, patients are assessed for their experience with nonsurgical treatments such as strength training. Elbow replacement is considered only if nonsurgical treatments were unsuccessful.

Major indications that a patient may be a candidate for elbow replacement surgery are:

• Deep, severe pain at the elbow joint
• Pain that keeps the person awake at night
• Little or no relief from anti-inflammatory or pain medications
• Difficulty with activities that require raising the arm, such as drinking from a cup

Patients are not considered for elbow replacement surgery if they are in very poor overall health, have an active infection, or have uncontrolled high blood pressure or a disabling heart disease. Most medical problems can be stabilized to allow elbow replacement surgery, if needed.

Diagnostic Tests

The medical tests that may be needed to determine whether a patient is a candidate for elbow surgery include:

X-ray — A recent X-ray helps to determine damage to the cartilage and bone of the elbow joint

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — An MRI may be needed if an X-ray does not provide adequate detail of the elbow joint. An MRI uses magnets and computers to create detailed, three-dimensional images of the area.

Mayo Clinic developed a series of MRI devices specifically designed to diagnose injuries and diseases that affect the elbow, forearms, fingers, hands and wrists. The MRIs, named Mayo Clinic BC-10 MRI Coils, make it easier to diagnosis injury and improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.