About Arthrodesis Elbow
Key Highlights
-
Provides a permanent solution for severe elbow pain and instability.Creates a stable, functional arm position for daily activities.Eliminates the source of pain from a degenerated or damaged joint.Can correct significant deformity and improve limb alignment.Offers a definitive treatment option when joint-preserving surgeries are not viable.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe, debilitating osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis unresponsive to conservative care.
- Chronic elbow instability or recurrent dislocations.
- Failed previous elbow surgeries, such as total elbow arthroplasty.
- Neuromuscular conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, brachial plexus palsy) causing a flail or uncontrollable elbow.
- Septic arthritis or tuberculosis that has destroyed the joint.
- Significant joint destruction from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
- Nonunion or malunion of a complex elbow fracture.
- Tumor resection requiring removal of the joint.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including medical history, physical exam, and imaging (X-rays, CT scan).
- Discussion of goals, expectations, and the permanent loss of elbow motion.
- Pre-operative blood tests and medical clearance, especially for underlying conditions.
- Possible consultation with a physical or occupational therapist to plan for post-surgery adaptation.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the scheduled surgery time.
- Arranging for help at home during the initial recovery period.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Nerve or blood vessel injury, potentially affecting hand function or sensation.
- Nonunion (failure of the bones to fuse), requiring additional surgery.
- Malunion (bones fusing in an incorrect position).
- Hardware irritation, pain, or failure, possibly requiring removal.
- Persistent pain or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
- Stiffness in the shoulder, wrist, or hand.
- Overuse or strain injuries in adjacent joints over time.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay of 1-3 days for pain management and initial monitoring.
- Arm placed in a long arm cast or splint for 6-12 weeks to protect the fusion.
- Strict elevation of the arm to control swelling.
- Pain medication and antibiotics as prescribed.
- No weight-bearing or stress on the fused elbow until the surgeon confirms healing on X-rays.
- Gradual transition to a removable brace once initial healing is stable.
- Early focus on gentle motion of the shoulder, wrist, and fingers to prevent stiffness.
- Occupational therapy to adapt to the fused elbow and learn new techniques for daily tasks.
- Follow-up X-rays at regular intervals to monitor bone fusion.
- Full recovery and return to most activities (excluding those requiring elbow bending) may take 4-6 months.
-
Typical hospital stay: 2-3 days
-
Expected recovery time: 4-6 months for full bone healing and adaptation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering arthrodesis elbow in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform arthrodesis elbow. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for arthrodesis elbow compare across other countries where we have data.
Sai Bhatia is a 14-year-old aspiring...
Sai Bhatia is a 14-year-old aspiring artist and cricket enthusiast from Mumbai. He was diagnosed with severe, progressive Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) at age 8. Despite years of aggressive medication, physical therapy, and two prior synovectomies, his right elbow joint has been destroyed by the disease. For the past two years, Sai has lived with constant, severe pain, a completely stiff and unstable elbow held at a 90-degree angle, and an inability to feed himself, write, or hold a cricket bat. His pediatric rheumatologist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Kapoor, recommended a right elbow arthrodesis (fusion). They explained that while it would permanently eliminate motion, it would provide a strong, stable, and pain-free platform for his arm, allowing him to regain function for daily tasks and potentially adapt his art and sports. The surgery was complex but successful. Sai spent 6 weeks in a long-arm cast, followed by a custom brace. The initial recovery was frustrating as he adapted to a permanently fixed arm. However, as the pain vanished, his world opened up. With occupational therapy, he learned new techniques for writing, painting on an angled easel, and even adapted his cricket batting stance. A year later, Sai is pain-free, excelling in school, and has won a local art competition. His emotional journey moved from grief over losing mobility and his old dreams, to profound relief from pain, and finally to empowerment as he mastered new ways to pursue his passions with his stable, reliable arm.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Arthrodesis Elbow
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform arthrodesis elbow and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata