Elbow Surgery: Meaning, Diagnosis & Treatment

Who Is the Right Candidate for Elbow Surgery?

Elbow surgery is usually only considered after conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief. Certain factors determine a person’s eligibility:

• Severity of Symptoms: Patients with severe pain, loss of motion, or functional impairment, unresponsive to conservative treatment may be recommended for elbow surgery.
• Type of Injury: People with severe fractures or dislocations, elbow arthritis, or tendon and ligament tears may require surgery to heal properly.
• Impact on Daily Life: If the elbow condition impedes daily activities, such as dressing, eating, working or playing sports, surgery may be considered.

Remember, the decision to undergo elbow surgery is a significant one and should be made in consultation with your doctor after considering all other treatment options.

What Are the Benefits of Elbow Surgery?

Sustaining an elbow injury or developing an elbow condition can be debilitating.

Elbow surgery, whether it’s tennis elbow surgery, elbow fracture surgery, or elbow replacement surgery, is often a solution. It can bring much-needed relief. The potential benefits of such surgeries include:

• Pain Relief: Chronic discomfort in the elbow joint can be significantly reduced through elbow surgery. Procedures such as joint replacement or tendon repair can bring immense relief to patients suffering from chronic pain.
• Improved Mobility and Function: Restoring the structural integrity and mechanics of the elbow through surgery can improve the range of motion and flexibility. It can also enhance the overall function of the joint.
• Faster Healing: Techniques like ORIF during elbow fracture surgery can expedite and improve bone healing compared to conservative treatments alone.
• Return to Activities: Successful elbow surgery allows many patients to return to their normal daily activities, hobbies, and sports they previously enjoyed.
• Long-Term Stability: Procedures like ligament reconstruction or joint replacement can provide long-term stability and prevent further degeneration of the elbow.

How to Prepare for Elbow Surgery?

Preparation is a critical part of any surgical process. There are specific steps that one typically needs to follow before undergoing an elbow surgery:

• A review of your medical history and physical examination will be conducted by your surgeon.
• You will need to undergo X-rays, CT scans, or MRI to evaluate the condition of your elbow joint.
• Your doctor will have a discussion with you about the surgical options, risks, and expected outcomes.
• You will be instructed on stopping certain medications that can increase bleeding risk during surgery.
• Arrangements for help at home during the initial recovery period should be put in place.
• Plans for post-operative physical therapy and rehabilitation should also be made.

What Are the Recovery Tips and Precautions to Follow after Elbow Surgery?

Recovery timelines differ post-surgery, depending upon the specific procedure. Here are some general tips for a smooth recovery after Elbow Surgery:

• Initially, the arm is typically immobilised in a splint or sling for the first few weeks.
• As part of elbow surgery recovery, doctors encourage gentle exercises and physical therapy to restore mobility and strength.
• Avoid heavy lifting, contact sports, and other high-impact activities for several months.
• Keep the surgical incision clean and dry to prevent infection.
• Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor the healing process.

Potential Risks or Complications Associated with Elbow Surgery

Although elbow surgeries are generally safe, like any surgical procedure, they come with certain potential risks and complications. Here are some you should be aware of:

• Always keep the area at the operation site clean and dry to avoid this.
• Nerve damage can lead to numbness, weakness or pain in some cases.
• Implant loosening or failure in joint replacement procedures can occur.
• Stiffness or limited range of motion is a possibility after an elbow surgery.
• There is always a risk of blood clots after any surgical procedure.
• Fractures around the surgical site could happen due to various reasons.

It is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions closely and report any unusual symptoms promptly to minimise these risks. With proper care and rehab, most patients see significant improvements in elbow function and quality of life post-surgery.

What Is the Cost of Elbow Surgery in India?

If you or a loved one is considering elbow surgery in India, the cost may be a crucial factor. The price varies based on the procedure type. As you plan for this necessary medical treatment, several considerations could affect the final cost:

• Choice of Hospital: Different hospitals have diverse pricing structures based on their amenities, expertise and reputation. Renowned hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities may charge more than local clinics.
• Surgeon’s Expertise: The surgeon’s expertise and experience can significantly impact the cost of your elbow surgery. Highly skilled orthopaedic surgeons may charge more due to their proficiency and successful track record.
• Location: Metropolitan cities like Mumbai or Delhi tend to have higher surgery costs than smaller towns due to higher operational costs.
• Surgery Type: The cost of procedures such as fracture repair (elbow fracture surgery) or tennis elbow surgery varies. Elbow replacement surgery or elbow plate surgery, being more complex, can be more expensive.

Is Elbow Surgery Covered under Insurance?

In India, most health insurance policies cover orthopaedic surgeries such as elbow surgery. However, the coverage depends on your specific insurance policy terms:

• Most insurance policies provide coverage for pre-operative consultations, hospitalisation charges, anaesthesia and post-operative care including physiotherapy sessions.
• Ensure your chosen hospital and surgeon fall within your insurance provider’s network hospitals list to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
• Insurance policies have coverage limits up to the sum insured and waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.

However, exclusions may include waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, experimental or cosmetic procedures, alternative therapies, and specific treatments. Hence, understanding your policy’s inclusions and exclusions is crucial for preparing for elbow surgery and recovery.