How to Care for Elbow Replacement

All surgeries carry potential risks and complications. Some surgeries result in long recovery times; others may only slightly inconvenience you. An elbow replacement is a serious operation that will restrict your movements for weeks. For a full recovery, you'll need to be persistent in your physical therapy. You may only regain complete function and mobility of the joint a year after surgery. Talk to your doctor about the benefits versus the risks of this procedure.

Instructions

• 1

  Care for an elbow replacement begins before the surgery is even performed. As with any surgery, it's important for you to disclose all of the medications you are taking. You may need to stop taking some medications up to two weeks before the procedure; they may interfere with clotting. You'll also need to discuss smoking and drinking alcohol, if you engage in these activities.

• 2

  Stay in the hospital after the surgery for your immediate recovery. Your surgeon will place a drainage tube in the area for excess fluid. He'll usually be able to remove this by the second day.

• 3

  Remain in the hospital for two to three days. Your hospital discharge depends on whether your incision is dry, how you react to pain medications, the progress of your physical rehabilitation and whether you'll have the required assistance at home. Because your movements will be severely restricted, you'll need to have someone at home to help you with daily tasks, such as driving and personal care.

• 4

  Work with your physical therapist to gently explore your range of motion. Your physical therapist will help you learn a simple series of movements on the second day after surgery. You'll need to continue this routine after you leave the hospital. The movements include straightening, bending and moving your arm with your hand both palm-up and palm-down.

• 5

  Do not lift anything heavy with your arm for at least six weeks following surgery. Generally, patients will be advised to place no more weight on the arm than a cup of coffee. Your elbow will continue to heal for a long time following surgery. You should continue to work with your physical therapist, and may make progress for up to a year following surgery.