Elbow prosthesis

Elbow prostheses

There are various types of prostheses for the elbow that have undergone considerable medical development. The new material "Pyrocarbon" was the first to be used in the elbow joint. It has exceptionally good properties in relation to the joint cartilage. It is therefore suitable for partial prostheses, for example when the head of the radius needs to be replaced after a fracture. With partial prostheses, the joint partner must be intact and the ligaments that guide the joint must not be damaged. This is a challenge for the surgeon. Another challenge is absorbing the enormous forces that act. This is why most prostheses today are connected to each other like a hinge, known as being linked.

Causes

There are various reasons for an elbow prosthesis. A poorly healed fracture of the elbow is often the reason for a later prosthesis. Sometimes only for a partial prosthesis. The joint can also wear out and develop osteoarthritis, for example due to heavy physical strain. This often affects throwing athletes (javelin, baseball, handball, etc.). Damage to the cartilage or foreign bodies can also lead to osteoarthritis.

Fortunately, rheumatoid arthritis, which used to be common, is rarely seen today. It used to destroy the joints, but can now be treated with medication.

Operation

An elbow prosthesis is not recommended for every patient. A prosthesis should only be implanted if all joint-preserving therapies have been exhausted and the level of suffering is correspondingly high.

Risks and complications

The elbow prosthesis is a very complex implant that has to achieve a great deal in a small joint. Unlike the knee, where the body weight is carried along the bone, forces often act transversely to the bone on the elbow. They generate a huge torque on the joint, which has to be absorbed by the prosthesis. It is therefore possible that the prosthesis loosens in the anchoring on the humerus over time and has to be reinserted. The polyethylene, which serves as a sliding layer, can also wear out or loosen. It must then be replaced. An elbow prosthesis normally lasts around 10-15 years.

What is life like with an elbow prosthesis?

You can live very well and, above all, pain-free with an elbow prosthesis. A pain-free everyday life gives life a whole new quality.

The most important restriction concerns the ability to bear weight. With an elbow prosthesis, no more than 5kg of weight should be lifted and heavy support should be avoided. Sports that put strain on the elbow, such as tennis or golf, are therefore no longer possible. Likewise, activities and occupations involving heavy physical strain (e.g. manual labour) can no longer be carried out.

Book a consultation appointment

Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer is an experienced FMH specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery.

We guarantee rapid, expert clarification and advice as well as treatment using the most modern methods.

Book your appointment directly online here or call us on +41 44 388 16 16. You are also welcome to come to us for a second opinion.