About Elbow Injuries
Key Highlights
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Restores pain-free movement and function of the elbow joint.Addresses a wide spectrum of injuries from acute fractures to chronic overuse conditions.Utilizes both non-surgical (conservative) and advanced surgical techniques tailored to the specific injury.Helps prevent long-term complications like arthritis, chronic instability, or loss of motion.Facilitates a return to daily activities, work, and sports with proper rehabilitation.
Who is this surgery for?
- Acute fractures of any of the three elbow bones (humerus, radius, ulna).
- Complete or partial elbow dislocation (often associated with fractures).
- Ligament tears, particularly the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) common in throwing athletes.
- Chronic tendonitis (lateral epicondylitis 'tennis elbow' or medial epicondylitis 'golfer's elbow') unresponsive to conservative care.
- Olecranon bursitis (swelling at the tip of the elbow) that is infected or recurrent.
- Loose bodies or bone spurs in the joint causing locking or pain.
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid) causing severe pain and stiffness.
- Nerve compression syndromes like cubital tunnel syndrome.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive orthopedic evaluation including physical exam and imaging (X-rays, MRI, or CT scan).
- Discussion of all treatment options, risks, benefits, and expected outcomes with your surgeon.
- Pre-operative medical clearance, which may involve blood tests, ECG, and a review by an internist.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners, NSAIDs) as advised by your doctor.
- Arranging for help at home and time off work for the initial recovery period.
- Fasting (no food or drink) for 6-8 hours before surgery if a procedure is scheduled.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or within the joint.
- Bleeding, hematoma (blood collection), or nerve/vessel damage.
- Stiffness, loss of range of motion, or heterotopic ossification (abnormal bone growth).
- Failure of hardware (plates, screws) or failure of ligament/tendon repair.
- Persistent pain, instability, or weakness in the elbow.
- Development or progression of post-traumatic arthritis.
- Complications related to anesthesia.
- Need for additional surgery (revision procedure).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial period involves rest, elevation, and use of a splint or brace to protect the repair.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications and ice application.
- Structured physical therapy is crucial, starting with gentle motion exercises and progressing to strengthening.
- Gradual return to light activities over weeks, with sports or heavy lifting often restricted for several months.
- Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor healing and remove sutures or staples.
- Full recovery and return to pre-injury level of function can take 6 months to a year for major procedures.
- Adherence to the rehabilitation protocol is the most critical factor for a successful outcome.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 6 weeks to 12 months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering elbow injuries in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for elbow injuries in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform elbow injuries. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists 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 elbow injuries compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Elbow Injuries in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing elbow injuries.
Reyansh Chopra, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Reyansh Chopra, a 28-year-old software engineer and weekend cricket enthusiast, suffered a fall while fielding, landing directly on his outstretched right arm. He felt an immediate, sharp pain and a 'pop' in his elbow. Over the next few days, his elbow became severely swollen, bruised, and he couldn't straighten it. An X-ray and MRI confirmed a complex radial head fracture with bone fragments in the joint. The orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Mehta, recommended an Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) procedure to realign the broken pieces and secure them with a small plate and screws. Reyansh was anxious about the surgery and the potential impact on his career, which required long hours of typing. The procedure went smoothly. His post-op recovery involved two weeks in a splint, followed by intensive physiotherapy to regain range of motion and strength. After three months of dedicated rehab, he regained nearly full function and was cleared for light activity. Emotionally, he transitioned from fear and frustration about his sudden dependence to immense relief and pride in his disciplined recovery, learning to appreciate his body's resilience.
Orthopedists for Elbow Injuries
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform elbow injuries and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 48 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 28 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore