Kumar (name changed) was 62 years old when he fell and fractured his right elbow. The doctors advised an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery to repair the broken elbow with plates and screws. However, the surgery was unsuccessful, and Kumar was left with a damaged elbow that limited his ability to perform even the most basic tasks.

"I had trouble stretching and bending my elbow. My grip strength has deteriorated to the point where I can barely hold a pen," Kumar says. Kumar sought the advice of Dr. Banarji B.H., the senior Orthopaedic surgeon at Bengaluru's Banarji Shoulder Center, in order to find a permanent solution to his problem. "Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgeries are typically the first line of treatment for a broken bone and have a very high success rate. However, in some cases, such as Kumar's, it may fail," Dr. Banarji says. In such cases, he recommends elbow replacement surgery or total elbow arthroplasty. 

Total elbow arthroplasty is recommended in cases of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, osteonecrosis, fractures, osteoporosis, and joint instability. "While elbow replacement surgery is not as common as shoulder or hip replacement surgery," Dr. Banarji says, "it is a highly recommended procedure in aging patients." This is because patients who have had elbow replacement surgery should refrain from engaging in any activity that could harm the replaced joint, such as heavy lifting or contact sports. As a result, athletes or younger people who want to maintain an active lifestyle may not be the best candidates for elbow replacement surgery. 

The damaged elbow is replaced during the procedure with artificial components such as a metal and plastic hinge and two metal stems inserted into the hollow part of the bone (canal). Complete recovery may take 4-6 weeks, depending on the individual. "Rehabilitation includes exercises aimed at improving elbow mobility and range of motion. It is also meant to strengthen the arm muscles and improve healing," Dr. Banarji explains.

Kumar is delighted with the progress that he has been making. “The range of movement in my elbow has improved by leaps and bounds. After a long time, I am finally able to eat by myself using my right hand. I am also able to write and am thrilled to have been able to sign my name after so long,” he says. Dr. Banarji, on the other hand, is very proud when he sees the positive impact the elbow replacement has had on Kumar’s life. “The aim of the elbow arthroplasty or elbow replacement surgery is to help people with damaged elbows lead a normal, painless life and in Kumar’s case this has become possible 100%,” he says.

The goal of elbow replacement surgery is to improve overall quality of life by reducing pain and discomfort and increasing elbow strength and functionality. Dr. Banarji hopes that with advances in technology and design, patients will no longer be limited in their activities after undergoing total elbow replacement surgery in the future.

CONTACT US 

Dr. Banarji Shoulder Center

3/4, 8th Main (Water Tank Road), CHBS Layout, Vijayanagar, Bangalore - 560 040.
Emergency: 9731274396

Appointment Mob:7760659606,  +91 78297 23606

Email:drbanarji@orthobangalore.com