Artificial elbow joints have been used all over the world for many years. As with the use of other endoprostheses, there are various types of artificial elbow joints available for elbow prostheses. They are selected and implanted depending on the individual case. Here you will find further information as well as selected specialists and centers for elbow prostheses.
The elbow joint is very important for the mobility of the arm. It consists of three parts:
The humerus and ulna together form what is known as a hinge joint. It is responsible for flexing and extending the arm. Together, the humerus and radius perform the rotational movement of the forearm.
The joint surfaces between the ulna and radius on the forearm and upper arm are protected by cartilage. The cartilage serves
If the cartilage layer of the joint is damaged, pain occurs.
There are various causes of cartilage damage to the elbow:
If the cartilage is damaged, bone rubs against bone. This initially only causes pain during movement, but later also leads to restricted movement and pain at rest.
Damage to the cartilage cannot be reversed or surgically repaired. Conservative treatment options (i.e. without surgery) include physiotherapy and infiltrations.
If these are not successful, the joint can be cleaned out (e.g. arthroscopically). If this does not help either, the only remaining treatment for the worn cartilage is the use of an artificial elbow joint.
The anatomy of the elbow joint © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock
A joint endoprosthesis is not visible from the outside. It is implanted in place of the body's own destroyed joint during an operation and therefore serves as a joint replacement. It is therefore also referred to as an artificial joint.
In the case of an elbow endoprosthesis, the functional mobility of the elbow
is guaranteed.
An elbow prosthesis consists of a metal alloy. In most cases, this is titanium, due to its
Individual parts of the elbow prosthesis are made of polyethylene (high-quality, resistant plastic).
The service life of such an inserted elbow prosthesis varies greatly. Depending on the use of the artificial elbow joint and the age of the patient, it is between ten and fifteen years.
In very rare cases, however, the joint may loosen prematurely. In the event of age-related wear or premature loosening, the elbow prosthesis must be replaced with a new one.
When replacing the elbow joint with an artificial joint, the prosthetic components are inserted into the humerus and ulna.
The healthy bone is preserved as far as possible. Elbow prostheses are therefore anchored inside the bone (the bone marrow) with a special cement adhesive. This has the advantage that the stability of the arm is maintained by its own bone.
The prosthesis shafts inserted into the humerus and ulna are connected via an artificial elbow joint. It functions in exactly the same way as the body's own hinge joint.
The use of such an elbow prosthesis is referred to as a total prosthesis, as the entire elbow joint is replaced. In mild cases of wear and tear on the elbow joint, only a partial prosthesis can be used. This does not replace the entire joint, but only a small part of it.
An operation to insert an elbow prosthesis can be performed under general or partial anesthesia. In the case of partial anesthesia, a local anesthetic is applied to the shoulder in the neck area. The entire arm is then numb, but the patient is fully conscious. With a general anesthetic, the patient is put to sleep and remains asleep during the entire operation.
The procedure usually takes around one to two hours.
First, an incision is made on the back of the upper arm along the elbow joint. The muscles running here are carefully pushed aside so as not to injure them. The surgeon then removes the damaged cartilage tissue from the joint.
If necessary, small parts of the bone can also be removed if they are already too damaged due to abrasion and wear and would no longer provide sufficient support for the elbow prosthesis.
The surgeon then prepares the humerus and ulna for insertion of the titanium shafts into the bone marrow. The elbow prosthesis is then fully inserted and cemented into the bone.
Depending on the surgical method and the patient's personal condition after the operation, a stay in hospital lasts between five and seven days.
As with any endoprosthesis, there are of course some risks associated with an artificial elbow joint. These start during the operation with the usual side effects such as
medication. As these risks can occur with any surgical procedure, they are clarified in advance in an intensive consultation.
Material intolerance to the elbow prosthesis only occurs in very rare cases due to the material (titanium).
More common complications include
However, they generally have no influence on the final result.
In very rare cases, a so-called prosthesis infection can occur, which can only be treated surgically.
Prosthesis loosening, which usually occurs after around ten to fifteen years due to the daily strain on the elbow prosthesis, can also only be treated surgically. In this case, the prosthesis must be replaced due to wear.
After suturing the incision on the back of the upper arm, the entire elbow joint is immobilized. Drains are placed beforehand to prevent bruising in the joint and post-operative bleeding. They ensure that blood drains from the inside of the elbow.
A so-called pain catheter may also be inserted. This enables the continuous administration of painkillers and thus guarantees relative freedom from pain for the patient.
The splint is removed again within a relatively short time and the elbow joint is mobilized. The patient is asked to move the new joint for the first time under medical supervision. An existing pain catheter or the administration of painkillers should already make this process largely pain-free.
During the hospital stay, the movement of the artificial elbow joint is repeatedly stimulated and trained through supervised physiotherapy.
After discharge from hospital, targeted physiotherapy is still necessary, which is carried out on an outpatient basis. Inpatient rehabilitation is not usually necessary for an artificial elbow joint.
In physiotherapy, the elbow joint is slowly acclimatized to its actual function. The patient learns how to use their artificial elbow joint and receives instructions on the activities that will be possible in the future.
In most cases, the patient should no longer perform any activities that put a lot of strain on the elbow, including
As the latter in particular is not always easy in everyday life, physiotherapy specifically teaches the elbow a movement that is gentle on everyday life.
In most cases, the elbow is fully functional again after around six weeks and only mild symptoms occur.
The Leading Medicine Guide's quality assurance is ensured by the following acceptance prerequisites.
