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