I need an elbow replacement. I crushed my elbow 11 years ago and I have had 13 surgeries. My arm is always painful along with my wrist and hand. My 4th snd 5th digit is numb. I can not grasp anything without dropping it. I have also had cortisone injections but they do not work. I key for a living so I do need both of my hands. Please advise what you would do regarding the replacement?
I also need a elbow replacement. I had a radial head replacement 7 years ago after a fall but now I live in pain daily and have very limited use of my right arm. I live in Central Florida and have been researching hospitals and Drs since this is not a surgery all orthopedic surgeons are trained in. I have an appt August 13th with a surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL with their chief orthopedic surgeon. I have found through research that Specialty Surgery Hospital in Manhattan, NY is number 1 for this type of surgery with Mayo Clinic in Minnesota being number 2. The surgeon I am seeing does about 75 -100 a year along with children. Do your homework, I am not sure where your located but have found most have to travel for this type of surgery to find a Dr that has experience in total elbow replacement. Its very nerve wracking to say the least and also a inconvenience being away from home. Good luck in your search. Please take the time to do the research, as you can see more than a few people on this blog have had not so good outcomes.
Thank you Cathy for your advice. I live in Idaho and I have found a doctor in Seattle. I will do my research for sure! Have you read any comments from my area?
Hi Dorothy, I really can't say I remember any specific comments from people from Seattle. Most time people do not say where they are from unless asked. Please let me know how you do, I will do the same. I am anxious about my appt. on the 13th as far as finding out all that is involved in the total elbow replacement short term and long term. I can say it will be nice to be able to use my right arm again even with weight restrictions.
Hi . Have you asked about having your elbow replaced? It may or or may not be suitable for you. I had mine replaced 4 years ago and has been brilliant but I completely shattered my elbow and my hand was working without any problems at the time. It took me 9 consultants to find a true expert in the UK. The other 8 were not specialised enough and did not offer a replacement. So it is 2 things , is your situation suitable and do you have a proper expert consultant ?