Elbow Arthritis and Complex Elbow Conditions
The elbow is a highly specialised joint that allows both bending and straightening of the arm, as well as rotation of the forearm. Arthritis, trauma, instability, stiffness and previous injury can all cause pain, loss of motion, weakness and difficulty with daily activities.
Treatment Options
Elbow replacement, or elbow arthroplasty, is much less common than hip, knee or shoulder replacement, but it can provide excellent pain relief and functional improvement in carefully selected patients. It is a technically demanding procedure and is most commonly performed for complex trauma, post-traumatic arthritis, inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, severe osteoarthritis, instability or failed previous surgery.
There are different types of elbow replacement. In selected fracture cases, particularly involving the distal humerus or radial side of the joint, a partial replacement or hemiarthroplasty may be appropriate. In other patients with more advanced joint destruction, instability or inflammatory arthritis, total elbow arthroplasty may be considered.
Treatment is not limited to elbow replacement. Wherever possible, Dr Ye considers joint-preserving and motion-preserving options first. These may include arthroscopic or open osteocapsular release, elbow arthroscopy, removal of impinging bone or scar tissue, ulnar nerve decompression or transposition, stabilisation procedures, ligament reconstruction, partial joint replacement, hemiarthroplasty or total elbow arthroplasty.
Surgical Planning
The best treatment depends on the underlying problem, the condition of the joint surfaces, ligament stability, nerve function, previous surgery, age, activity level and functional goals. In many cases, particularly after trauma, the decision-making is nuanced and may involve balancing pain relief, stability, strength and preservation of motion.
Comprehensive Treatment Approach
Dr Ye has a particular subspecialty interest in elbow surgery and treats both paediatric and adult elbow conditions. His practice includes the full spectrum of elbow problems, from childhood and adolescent elbow disorders through to adult arthritis, trauma, stiffness, instability and post-traumatic reconstruction.
Dr Ye is happy to see patients for opinions regarding complex elbow problems, including post-traumatic elbow stiffness, arthritis, instability, malunion, failed previous surgery and revision reconstruction. He offers the full range of treatment options, from minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures through to open reconstruction and elbow replacement.
Risks, Outcomes and Treatment Decisions
As with all joint replacement surgery, elbow arthroplasty carries risks. These may include infection, stiffness, loosening, instability, nerve irritation, fracture, implant wear and the possibility of revision surgery. However, in appropriately selected patients, elbow replacement can provide meaningful pain relief and improved function when other joint-preserving options are no longer suitable.