Elbow replacement
Our specialists can restore your elbow’s mobility to help you get back to your usual selfOur elbow joints can become damaged over time due to conditions such as arthritis, or as a result of trauma from injury. If your elbow pain is affecting your mobility and quality of life, it’s time to seek help from a specialist. One of the Orthopaedic Consultants may recommend the need for an elbow replacement.
When an elbow replacement is necessary
Usually, the pain comes from the bones that form the joint rubbing together because the lining between them that allows smooth movement has been damaged, due to injury or arthritis. Whatever the cause, our team of specialists are here to help you get back to doing the things you love and will support you every step of the way. When you book an initial consultation with an Orthopaedic Consultant, you can choose to have this at KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre. Your Consultant will discuss your options for elbow surgery or other treatments.
Prices & payment
Our enquiries team are happy to provide a price for this treatment upon request
The above are guide prices only.
Locations
You can see expert consultants and have a range of scans and tests at either one of our facilities below. If you need elbow replacement surgery, this will be carried out at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone.
KIMS Hospital, Maidstone
Sevenoaks Medical Centre
Consultants
FAQs
What does an elbow replacement involve?
An elbow replacement is a newer procedure that replaces your elbow joint with an artificial one, often referred to as a prosthesis.
The operation is usually carried out under general anaesthetic with a local nerve block, so you will not be aware of any pain. During the procedure, your Consultant will remove the damaged tissue and parts of the two arm bones, the humerus and the ulna that meet at the elbow joint. After removing tissue and bone, your Consultant replaces the elbow joint with an artificial one, consisting of two implants that are attached to the insides of the humerus and ulna. The implants are then joined together by a metal and plastic hinge.
After the joint is implanted, the wound is closed with stitches and a bandage is applied. Your arm may be placed in a splint to allow time for the soft tissue to heal. Our inpatient physical therapy team will help you begin to move your elbow when you’re able.
Where will my procedure take place?
Regardless of where you had your initial consultation, all surgical procedures take place at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone. Most outpatient appointments, including scans and tests, and follow up appointments with your Consultant, can take place at either KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre.
How long will I stay in hospital?
You will usually be in hospital for one night, depending on the progress you make following your procedure. Your Consultant will discuss this with you prior to your procedure.
How long does it take to recover after elbow surgery and will I be in pain?
You should be prepared to be less functional than usual for six to twelve weeks after an elbow replacement. For instance, you won’t be able to lift anything heavier than a cup of coffee for six weeks after the procedure. You should permanently avoid any heavy manual work or heavy lifting to prolong the life of the prosthesis.
If you live alone or don’t have the available help, you’ll need to make arrangements for home help ahead of time.
An essential part of your recovery journey will be to continue the exercises you are given by your Physiotherapist, to help prevent stiffness and improve the outcome of your elbow replacement.
- Make a general enquiry
- Appointment enquiry
Our team are on hand to help answer any queries you might have about coming to KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre. You can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch. Alternatively to speak to a member of our friendly team, please call 01622 237 500 between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.
If you would like to book an appointment, you can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch.
Alternatively to speak to a member of our friendly team, please call 01622 237 500 between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.
Please be aware, if you are requesting a diagnostic scan such as an MRI, or CT, you must have a referral from a relevant clinician or Allied Health professional such as a physiotherapist.