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Elbow replacement surgery
Replacing the damaged surfaces of the elbow with a metal and plastic joint to increase mobility and reduce pain. Also known as an arthroplasty for the elbow.
Surgery to repair a damaged elbow joint
If your elbow joints have suffered wear and tear, a condition like arthritis or an injury, moving them can become progressively painful.
Your consultant may recommend elbow replacement surgery if other options like physiotherapy and medication haven't helped alleviate your condition.
Need to know
An incision will be made in the back of your elbow joint to avoid the blood vessels and nerves that are on the inside of the elbow. The tendons, ligaments and ulnar nerve are then eased aside to expose the joint. The joint surfaces are then removed and the marrow space within the ulna bone hollowed out to receive a metal stem.
The surgeon repeats the procedure on the humerus and the two bones are then prepared for the fixing in place of a prosthetic hinge, using either a medical adhesive or fine mesh, which supports bone regrowth. Once the prosthetic is in place, your surgeon will close the cut with stitches.
Your consultant will inform you how best to prepare for your surgery. If you're having general anaesthetic, your consultant will let you know how long you should avoid eating or drinking for before your procedure.
You will be given painkillers to relieve any pain you experience immediately following surgery. Depending on your general fitness level, you may need to be cared for in hospital for up to two nights.
You will need to wear a sling for up to two weeks following surgery to support your arm. Your consultant will create a programme for you to rehabilitate your elbow with the physiotherapy team. They will also let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including exercise and work.
Our Elbow replacement surgery locations
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients
30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
Golders Green Outpatients
Golders Green Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre NW11 9PY London
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients
15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.