Barb Rockenbach: Almost everything you do, you use your elbow. You don't even realize it.
Vivian Williams: Barb Rockenbach says she didn't realize that until her right elbow became damaged from rheumatoid arthritis. She was in a lot of pain, and everyday tasks, like grocery shopping, were difficult.
Barb Rockenbach: I could never pick up something heavy.
Vivian Williams: She couldn't extend her arm, so she'd only use her left one.
Barb Rockenbach: If I had this hand full, I may go over like this and do it.
Vivian Williams: Barb lived with the pain for as long as she could, but eventually it got much worse.
Scott P. Steinmann, M.D.: How are things?
Barb Rockenbach: Doing good.
Vivian Williams: Barb went to Mayo Clinic where Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Scott Steinmann told her she'd likely benefit from an elbow replacement.
Scott P. Steinmann, M.D.: When we replace the joint, we give very good pain relief for the joint. And motion's actually very good after the replacement.
Vivian Williams: During the operation, Dr. Steinmann removes the damaged and diseased joint. Then he replaces those bones with two metal implants that act as a new elbow joint.
Scott P. Steinmann, M.D.: Yeah, that looks good.
Vivian Williams: Dr. Steinmann replaced Barb's elbow several months ago.
Barb Rockenbach: I have no pain in the elbow.
Vivian Williams: Dr. Steinmann says the elbow replacements give people like Barb the ability to do simple tasks, like grabbing a jug of milk from the fridge. But replacements will not allow her to lift weights or do sports like tennis. Barb is thrilled to be pain-free and able to use her arm.
Barb Rockenbach: But now I can hold it up and put it in.
Vivian Williams: For Medical Edge, I'm Vivian Williams.