Better implants can ease pain and improve mobility, but consider this surgery only after you’ve tried other therapies.

Elbow replacements don’t enjoy the popularity of their hip and knee counterparts, but they’re no less appreciated by the people who receive them. This relatively uncommon surgery can relieve pain and restore mobility to an elbow decimated by acute injury, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or other inflammatory conditions. "People come in and often can’t get their hand to their mouth, but after surgery they’re feeding themselves," says Peter Evans, MD, PhD, Director of Cleveland Clinic’s Upper Extremity Center. "The procedure really is life-changing."

Subscribers:
View the Full Story

Non-subscribers:
Purchase Selection or begin your FREE 14-day trial subscription to arthritis-advisor.com