Learn about Arthrodesis Elbow Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Arthrodesis Elbow and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Arthrodesis Elbow

Arthrodesis of the elbow, performed by pediatric orthopedic specialists, is a surgical procedure that permanently fuses the bones of the elbow joint. This procedure is typically considered for children and adolescents when severe pain, instability, or deformity from conditions like arthritis, trauma, or neuromuscular disorders cannot be managed with other treatments. The goal is to create a stable, pain-free, and functional arm position, often in a slightly bent posture to facilitate daily activities. While it eliminates motion at the elbow, it provides significant relief and improved function for select pediatric patients, allowing them to use their hand and shoulder more effectively. The surgery involves removing damaged cartilage and securing the bones together with plates, screws, or rods until they heal into a single, solid unit.

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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 2-3 days
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 150 Thousand – 350 Thousand 2-3 days ~ 4-6 months for full bone healing and adaptation Know More
Turkey TRY 525 Thousand – 1.23 Million 2-3 days ~ 4-6 months for full bone healing and adaptation Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Neeraj Gupta
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prashanth Inna
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek Nandi
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated