1. < Joint Replacements

Has anyone had a total elbow replacement?

Posted by crlouis @crlouis, Jun 3, 2024

Looking for post op experience with total elbow replacement surgery.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

2bher536 | @2bher536 | Apr 23 1:49pm
In reply to @janesp "Me too. It seems total elbow replacement is rare and can be either partially or fully..." + (show)
@janesp

Me too. It seems total elbow replacement is rare and can be either partially or fully unsuccessful. I am in my mid-70s and both elbows are bone on bone. If I were 50, no problem, I'd have the surgery. But this late in life, I'm thinking I can just live with the pain. Had cortisone shots for about 3 years but they stopped working. I have complicated braces that I can wear, but I can hardly get them on. Physical therapy did nothing. Acupuncture did nothing. After all, there is nothing to "fix" with bone-on-bone issues! Trying some expensive shots next month, insurance won't pay, but if they help I think I'll take that path for as long as I can. I am a fairly active woman and this is depressing as hell!

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The outcome and weight limitation (no more than 5 lbs) on TEA is not encouraging. Therefore, it is not recommended for someone younger than 60 and active. My dr. is recommending elbow debridement first before TEA to by some time. What is the very expensive injection you are referring to? What is it supposed to do? Please share if you have any positive experience with it. Thanks,

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gbear1953 | @gbear1953 | May 10 9:44pm

I had a failed replacement and a failed revision. Main symptom is pain. For examble it hurts somewhat all the time but if I forget and push myself up using the right arm-Whew! I see stars. I cannot life much and ROM is limited. I do have some better ROM like I can brush my teeth and shave with some pain but I can.
Dr left vessel loops and a staple in my arm but not sure if it is a factor
Anyway, the pain is bad enough so I am going to have a third surgery at NYU (other surgery was Columbia) Both Manhattan, Dr Ayalon will do it and he promised less pain
Glen

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2 replies
skincare75 | @skincare75 | May 11 7:27pm
In reply to @gbear1953 "I had a failed replacement and a failed revision. Main symptom is pain. For examble it..." + (show)
@gbear1953

I had a failed replacement and a failed revision. Main symptom is pain. For examble it hurts somewhat all the time but if I forget and push myself up using the right arm-Whew! I see stars. I cannot life much and ROM is limited. I do have some better ROM like I can brush my teeth and shave with some pain but I can.
Dr left vessel loops and a staple in my arm but not sure if it is a factor
Anyway, the pain is bad enough so I am going to have a third surgery at NYU (other surgery was Columbia) Both Manhattan, Dr Ayalon will do it and he promised less pain
Glen

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I recently had another elbow joint reconstructed after 5 elbow replacements. This time a cadaver bone was placed around my humerus to hold it together.
This is surgery #7 for me on this arm over 15 years and same accident. I’m 75 and this time was not easy but much better than #6.
I’m hoping I won’t have as much pain and more ROM after the cast is removed. Dr Mark Morrey did my surgery at Mayo in Rochester Mn. He is the best for this type of surgery.

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skincare75 | @skincare75 | May 11 7:28pm
In reply to @gbear1953 "I had a failed replacement and a failed revision. Main symptom is pain. For examble it..." + (show)
@gbear1953

I had a failed replacement and a failed revision. Main symptom is pain. For examble it hurts somewhat all the time but if I forget and push myself up using the right arm-Whew! I see stars. I cannot life much and ROM is limited. I do have some better ROM like I can brush my teeth and shave with some pain but I can.
Dr left vessel loops and a staple in my arm but not sure if it is a factor
Anyway, the pain is bad enough so I am going to have a third surgery at NYU (other surgery was Columbia) Both Manhattan, Dr Ayalon will do it and he promised less pain
Glen

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Glen where did you go for your surgery?

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1 reply
gbear1953 | @gbear1953 | May 13 8:26pm
In reply to @skincare75 "Glen where did you go for your surgery?" + (show)
@skincare75

Glen where did you go for your surgery?

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Columbia Presypeterian NYC but the next revision will be at NYU I no longer trust the doctor who did the replacement and then the revision because he left a vessel loop and staple in my arm. Ok maybe that did not cause my instability and pain but the though that he or the nurse in the OR did not account for it gives me worry plus he is getting old.
I am in so much pain but the new doctor (Dr Omir Ayalon) promised me less pain and the very least.
I can live with a floppy arm but the constant ache and occasional severe shock like pain is too much

Wish me luck
Glen

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Ann Shrader | @annshrader | May 14 6:43am

Good Morning.
I recently had an elbow surgery and, although the repair put the olacaron back on, it has been painful and the plates are problematic. I have been researching these subsequent challenges and not many are good. I might say it is easier to strengthen the muscles and maintain tendons and ligaments so you don't use bone. The whole idea is that you use muscle-not bone to lift and move objects. On another note... I want to invent the exo device that will assist with daily living (and sports participation).

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