Has anyone had surgery for elbow pain, and how effective was it?
Surgery for elbow arthritis in RA is generally recommended when nonsurgical treatments don't provide enough relief, joint stiffness interferes with daily activities, or the joint is severely unstable.
Several surgical options are available depending on your Show Full Answer
Has anyone had surgery for elbow pain, and how effective was it?
Surgery for elbow arthritis in RA is generally recommended when nonsurgical treatments don't provide enough relief, joint stiffness interferes with daily activities, or the joint is severely unstable.
Several surgical options are available depending on your specific situation:
- Synovectomy: Removes inflamed joint tissue through small incisions. Less invasive with shorter recovery time, though symptoms may return years later.
- Joint replacement (Arthroplasty): Replaces the damaged elbow joint with an artificial one made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. This mimics natural joint movement and tends to provide longer-lasting results than synovectomy. It may also reduce medication needs.
- Interposition arthroplasty: Places soft tissue between damaged joint surfaces.
Joint replacement typically lasts 10-20 years and involves a hospital stay plus months of rehabilitation. While it can significantly reduce pain and improve function, you may not regain full use of the joint even after replacement.
The effectiveness depends on your disease progression and individual circumstances. It's important to discuss all options with your rheumatologist to determine which approach might work best for your situation.
January 26
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