Elbow Replacement

UI Health Care orthopedic surgeons specialize in elbow replacement to relieve pain from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, elbow fractures, and more.

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If arthritis or an injury is causing you severe elbow pain, elbow replacement might be the solution for you.

Your elbow joint is covered in a flexible connective tissue known as cartilage. If the cartilage becomes injured or worn away over time, it can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. Elbow replacement is a procedure that replaces the damaged or diseased parts of your elbow joint with a metal and plastic artificial joint (or implant).

University of Iowa Health Care elbow replacement experts can help relieve your pain, increase your mobility, and improve your quality of life. Trained by world-renowned experts in the field of elbow replacement, our orthopedic surgeons perform the latest, most advanced surgical procedures—helping you recover faster and get back to doing what you love.

The UI Health Care approach to elbow replacement

Our elbow replacement experts pair personalized care plans with the most up-to-date surgical approaches to help improve your outcomes.

A care plan that centers on you

Our top priority is to make sure you have the best possible outcome. We'll work with you to create a customized care plan that addresses your needs and helps you meet your recovery goals.

We’ll also help you prepare before your procedure to make your recovery as smooth as possible with a customized education plan. This includes how to stay active and healthy before surgery, how to prepare your home, and important tips throughout your treatment and recovery.

After your surgery, our occupational therapists will help you get back to daily activities quickly, and our care team will be with you every step of the way to answer any questions you may have.

Advanced, innovative treatment options

Our elbow replacement specialists are fellowship-trained, meaning they've undergone extensive, specialized training in joint replacement and the latest surgical techniques.

And as part of a leading academic medical center, our orthopedic experts also participate in research studies and clinical trials on joint replacement outcomes and the latest replacement devices. This gives you the opportunity to participate in innovative, new procedures and approaches that you can't get anywhere else.

Types of elbow replacement surgery

Your age, overall health, lifestyle, and condition of your elbow all play a part in your care. Your surgeon will talk with you about which type of elbow replacement is best for you:

Linked

The most common type of elbow replacement. Metal stems are implanted into the ends of your upper arm bone, and your larger forearm bone and are connected by a hinge, creating a mechanical connection between the two metal components.

Unlinked

This type involves using your own tissue and ligaments to connect the metal stems instead of an implanted hinge. This option is most often used for younger patients who may still have a higher level of existing bone health and joint stability.

What to expect from your elbow replacement

At your first pre-surgery appointment for your elbow replacement, you'll meet the nurse clinicians who will guide you through preparation, surgery, and recovery. They'll work with you during the entire process, which includes a comprehensive educational program for you and your “coach.” Your coach may be a spouse, adult child, or friend who will help you during your recovery.

The stronger and healthier you are before your surgery, the sooner you'll recover. Your team will customize a care plan that will help you get ready for your procedure and continue to guide you throughout the entire experience.

More than 85% of our joint replacement patients go home the same day or next day following their surgery. Our care team will discuss if same-day discharge is an option for you.

After your surgery

You'll go home with your elbow in a splint to limit your movement while you heal. You'll wear it for 10 to 14 days to allow the incisions to heal. Once the splint is removed, you can move and put weight on your elbow as much as you can tolerate.

You will follow up with your surgeon at six weeks, three months, and one year after your surgery. After that, yearly X-ray screenings are recommended to ensure the implant is functioning as intended.

Two weeks after surgery, you will start occupational therapy to help you regain function and improve your recovery outcomes. Most patients complete a total of three to four months of occupational therapy.