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ELBOW REPLACEMENT - Suggestion, observations, recommendations.

Posted by kramarpie @kramarpie, Jun 15, 2019

Having my right elbow replaced 6/18/19. I am right handed. Have both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis & autoimmune. Thanks.

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2bher536 | @2bher536 | Sep 25, 2025
In reply to @twilson "I broke my elbow, chipping off a tiny piece of bone and got an elbow replacement..." + (show)
Profile picture for twilson @twilson

I broke my elbow, chipping off a tiny piece of bone and got an elbow replacement at age 80. Doctor had to move nerves, so most discomfort came from that. After 3 years, the elbow loosened and I am facing another surgery. The original was so successful that I wasn’t as careful as I should have been. Lifting not much more than 5 pounds and not twisting more than necessary would have extended the life of the implant. I am facing getting the bone cement scraped out and a larger implant. The current implant is also close to poking a hole in my ulna. Get a doctor who specializes in elbows and has done many. If you can get into Mayo’s, do so as they have done more than anyone else. I wish they took my insurance.

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@twilson I'm needing a TEA and am looking into the Mayo clinic. Which Dr. did your surgery? Thanks

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2bher536 | @2bher536 | Sep 25, 2025
In reply to @ktgirl "I asked this before but just had the one response from Chris. Thank you Chris for..." + (show)
Profile picture for ktgirl @ktgirl

I asked this before but just had the one response from Chris. Thank you Chris for that. My elbow damage is from RA/OA. I had arthroscopic surgery on my elbow about a year ago. That didn't help with the pain and a few months ago I had a guided injection done on it with cortisone which helped for a few weeks but is back to the normal pain again. My knee replacement is doing fairly well. I'm about 8 weeks out and contemplating going back to my "on my feet" all day job. Maybe just short days.
I know the only option now is joint replacement for my elbow. I listened to a Mayo Clinic podcast with Dr. Mark Morrey who did the last surgery on my elbow. He sounded very optimistic about replacement. Would like to hear someone else's story.
Thanks

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@ktgirl I hope you see my comment here since your posting was from 2022. I'm here looking for help with decision about TEA which is recommended to me because of my RA damaged left elbow joint. I also saw Dr. Morrey's podcast and like his approach to preplan surgery. Please share your TEA experience if you had it done. Thank you.

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mkgeitz | @mkgeitz | Aug 11 5:37pm
In reply to @gbear1953 "Bad outcome. Had replacement then revision surgery but still pain and instability I am scared to..." + (show)
Profile picture for gbear1953 @gbear1953

Bad outcome. Had replacement then revision surgery but still pain and instability I am scared to have a third surgery. I cannot lift or use my right arm much and I'm right handed.
Dr even suggested a fushion which would leave the arm fixed at 90 degrees or straight up and down.
I'll live with the pain before I do that. Seems my Bone just will not fuse with the metal.
I'm sick over this BTW it's aseptic with no infection just unstable and painful.

Glen

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@gbear1953 I was curious where you had it done and when? I am set up for a total elbow replacement at Mayo 1 month from today. I have heard a few horror stories about having to have it redone, even twice. I have a lot of ostio damage and bone deterioration, no cartilage left, numerous bone spurs and my arm is very crooked. Also fluid building on the elbow and some nerve issues. I have also had a quite in-depth prior surgery. I also did several months of PT and tried some injections. My pain has gotten much worse and hence the trip to Mayo and set up of the total replacement. I am an extremely active 69 yr old female (birthday tomorrow) and wish there were new injections or whatever to try. If anyone has input it would be greatly appreciated. Sorry about your outcome Gbear!

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gbear1953 | @gbear1953 | Aug 11 6:58pm
In reply to @mkgeitz "@gbear1953 I was curious where you had it done and when? I am set up for..." + (show)
Profile picture for mkgeitz @mkgeitz

@gbear1953 I was curious where you had it done and when? I am set up for a total elbow replacement at Mayo 1 month from today. I have heard a few horror stories about having to have it redone, even twice. I have a lot of ostio damage and bone deterioration, no cartilage left, numerous bone spurs and my arm is very crooked. Also fluid building on the elbow and some nerve issues. I have also had a quite in-depth prior surgery. I also did several months of PT and tried some injections. My pain has gotten much worse and hence the trip to Mayo and set up of the total replacement. I am an extremely active 69 yr old female (birthday tomorrow) and wish there were new injections or whatever to try. If anyone has input it would be greatly appreciated. Sorry about your outcome Gbear!

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@mkgeitz i'm sorry to hear that . I had two elbow replacements at columbia press byterian , which were botched. The second one or revision , he left staples or vessel loops , which had to be removed on the second revision or third surgery , which was done at mount sinai hospital. Just last surgery is better, but I still have loosening.And degree of pain , but i'm gonna live with it , it's not horrible , and i'm too afraid of a fourth surgery. I'd add that.I have a thing called crepitus , which is creaking , which can get pretty loud , and it's not really a problem , just noisy , it doesn't hurt
If I were you , I just do it and hope for the best outcome and do your research as usual at best wishes.
Glen
Glen

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gbear1953 | @gbear1953 | Aug 11 6:59pm
In reply to @gbear1953 "@mkgeitz i'm sorry to hear that . I had two elbow replacements at columbia press byterian..." + (show)
Profile picture for gbear1953 @gbear1953

@mkgeitz i'm sorry to hear that . I had two elbow replacements at columbia press byterian , which were botched. The second one or revision , he left staples or vessel loops , which had to be removed on the second revision or third surgery , which was done at mount sinai hospital. Just last surgery is better, but I still have loosening.And degree of pain , but i'm gonna live with it , it's not horrible , and i'm too afraid of a fourth surgery. I'd add that.I have a thing called crepitus , which is creaking , which can get pretty loud , and it's not really a problem , just noisy , it doesn't hurt
If I were you , I just do it and hope for the best outcome and do your research as usual at best wishes.
Glen
Glen

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@gbear1953 i have to apologize for the syntax.Because my hand hurts too much to type some using voice activation , and it can make some boneheaded errors glenn

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mkgeitz | @mkgeitz | Aug 11 7:50pm
In reply to @gbear1953 "@mkgeitz i'm sorry to hear that . I had two elbow replacements at columbia press byterian..." + (show)
Profile picture for gbear1953 @gbear1953

@mkgeitz i'm sorry to hear that . I had two elbow replacements at columbia press byterian , which were botched. The second one or revision , he left staples or vessel loops , which had to be removed on the second revision or third surgery , which was done at mount sinai hospital. Just last surgery is better, but I still have loosening.And degree of pain , but i'm gonna live with it , it's not horrible , and i'm too afraid of a fourth surgery. I'd add that.I have a thing called crepitus , which is creaking , which can get pretty loud , and it's not really a problem , just noisy , it doesn't hurt
If I were you , I just do it and hope for the best outcome and do your research as usual at best wishes.
Glen
Glen

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Thanks for the info Glen, and the good wishes! Im leaning towards doing it,
left my surgery date in place. Take care, Mary

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