About Osteoarthritis of Elbow
Key Highlights
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Specialized care focused on the unique anatomy and growth plates of a child's elbow.Conservative-first approach to preserve joint function and development.Advanced surgical techniques, including arthroscopy, for minimal tissue disruption.Multidisciplinary team approach involving pediatric orthopedists, physiotherapists, and pain specialists.Goal-oriented treatment plan to restore mobility and enable a return to sports and daily activities.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent elbow pain and stiffness in a child or adolescent unresponsive to rest and medication.
- Diagnosis of primary or post-traumatic osteoarthritis confirmed via X-ray or MRI.
- Significant loss of range of motion impacting daily activities, schoolwork, or sports.
- Presence of locking, catching, or instability in the elbow joint.
- Progressive joint deformity or evidence of advanced cartilage loss on imaging.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including detailed medical history, physical exam, X-rays, and often an MRI.
- Pre-operative counseling with the child and parents to discuss goals, risks, and the recovery process.
- Pre-anesthesia check-up to ensure fitness for surgery.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs, blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours prior to the scheduled procedure if surgery is planned.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Nerve or blood vessel injury around the elbow, potentially causing numbness or weakness.
- Stiffness, incomplete pain relief, or recurrence of symptoms.
- Heterotopic ossification (abnormal bone growth in soft tissues).
- In very rare cases, damage to growth plates affecting future bone development.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial immobilization in a splint or brace to protect the surgical site, followed by guided mobilization.
- Strict adherence to a structured physical therapy program to regain strength and range of motion.
- Pain management with prescribed medications and ice therapy.
- Gradual return to light activities, with contact sports restricted for several months.
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing, progress in therapy, and joint development.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 6 weeks to 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering osteoarthritis of elbow in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey 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 osteoarthritis of 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 osteoarthritis of elbow compare across other countries where we have data.
Our 8-year-old daughter fractured her elbow...
Our 8-year-old daughter fractured her elbow in a playground fall, and Dr. Prashanth Inna was absolutely phenomenal. He explained the complex procedure in simple terms, calmed our nerves, and the minimally invasive surgery went perfectly. His follow-up care was thorough, and she's now back to gymnastics without any issues!