Arthritis is a degenerative
condition that affects bones and joints, leading to their deterioration over
time. This ailment can strike both young and elderly individuals. Among the
areas susceptible to arthritis is the elbow joint, which, when severely
affected, may necessitate surgical intervention. This article sheds light on
the total elbow replacement surgery performed at Big Apollo Spectra Hospital,
Patna, offering insights into the procedure's significance.
Understanding
Total Elbow Replacement Surgery
Total elbow replacement surgery,
or total elbow arthroscopy (TEA), is a medical procedure carried out at Big
Apollo Spectra Hospital, Patna, to address damaged sections of the radius,
ulna, or the elbow joint. These damaged portions are substituted with
prosthetic bones and joints. While not as common as knee or hip replacements,
elbow replacement surgeries have proven effective in mitigating joint pain and
restoring normal elbow function.
Indications
for Total Elbow Replacement Surgery
In addition to the procedure's
fundamentals, let's delve into the medical scenarios warranting total elbow
replacement surgery or elbow arthroscopy:
·
Rheumatoid
Arthritis: This form
of arthritis often afflicts young adults and middle-aged individuals. It stems
from chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane encircling joints, causing
pain, stiffness, and cartilage loss—a condition known as inflammatory
arthritis.
·
Osteoarthritis: Primarily
linked to aging, osteoarthritis is a degenerative type of arthritis that can
occasionally affect younger people as well. Cartilage, which cushions joints,
erodes due to age, causing bones to grind against each other and resulting in
pain and stiffness.
·
Severe
Fracture:
Significant fractures in the elbow resulting from accidents may not be
effectively treated through plaster or medications alone. In such cases, elbow
replacement surgery becomes imperative.
·
Post-Traumatic
Arthritis: Injuries
sustained in the past can lead to gradual deterioration of ligaments and
cartilage over time, prompting the need for elbow replacement surgery.
Should any of these conditions
escalate in severity, promptly seeking guidance from a specialist is
recommended.
Procedure of
Total Elbow Replacement Surgery
The steps involved in total elbow
replacement surgery encompass:·
Administering general or local anesthesia to numb
sensations before the procedure.
·
Conducting vital checks, including blood pressure
and blood flow assessment.
·
Making incisions on the skin aligned with joint
positions.
·
Carefully displacing tendons and tissues to expose
the bone without causing harm.
·
Employing surgical instruments to extract damaged
bone and joint components.
·
Substituting the removed parts with metal, plastic,
or carbon-coated materials.
·
Performing essential repairs.
Potential
Risks and Complications
Potential risks and complications
associated with total elbow replacement surgery include:
·
Elbow infections
·
Implant-related issues
·
Wound healing challenges
·
Nerve injury
While these conditions and side
effects are generally temporary and treatable, prompt consultation with a
healthcare professional is advised if any problems arise.
Conclusion
Any bone-related issue should not
be taken lightly. At the first signs of joint pain, stiffness, or a severe
elbow fracture, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Healthcare
professionals will offer optimal solutions and, if necessary, guide you to a
proficient surgeon for further evaluation and treatment.