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HomeSummaryReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryAbout the procedureRecovering from surgeryRehabilitationPhysical therapy Usual response Risks Duration of rehabilitation Returning to ordinary daily activities Costs Conclusion

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Surgery for painful elbow joint arthritis, elbow instability, and tendonitis: Elbow replacement, ligament reconstruction and repair, and tendon surgery

Edited By: Thomas Trumble, M.D.
Last updated Friday, September 08, 2006

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Rehabilitation

Physical therapy

Elbow instability
Early range of motion is begun within three to seven days after surgery depending on the type and extent of the reconstruction. These patients are protected in a long arm splint or split cast so they can remove the splint and begin a range of motion program in order to avoid elbow stiffness. It is particularly important to achieve elbow extension (that is to be able to straighten the elbow fully).

Arthritis
Surgery with joint replacement: For patients with limited joint replacement such as with the radial head, exercises are started within two to three days after surgery. For total elbow replacement surgery, the range of motion exercises are started approximately one week after surgery. When the patient is not exercising the elbow, a posterior splint will help support the elbow and prevent injury from contact.

Decompression of tendonitis of the elbow:
These patients are placed in a splint to allow them to be comfortable and to reduce swelling. Then, approximately one to two weeks after surgery, general stretching exercises are begun. The patient is not splinted and allowed to regain their full elbow motion. Strenuous exercises are delayed for six to eight weeks and full strength is not expected to return until three months after surgery.

Rehabilitation options: Exercises are both supervised by a therapist and coupled with an exercise program that can be done at home. The therapist provides regular measurements and monitors the wound for healing.

Usual response

The patients are generally satisfied with the improvement of their motion and stability. It is key to have the patients work to maximize their range of motion within four weeks after the surgery. Delays in achieving full extension or flexion after this time can result in permanent loss of motion.

Risks

The rehabilitation program is generally achieved with minimal risk, particularly when supervised by a knowledgeable therapist.

Duration of rehabilitation

The duration of a rehabilitation program can extend from six to twelve weeks depending on the extent of surgery and difficulty in regaining motion.

Returning to ordinary daily activities

The outpatients are able to perform general activities of daily living with the operative arm at the side two to three weeks after surgery. Walking with the arm protected is strongly encouraged; driving should wait until the patient can perform the necessary functions comfortably and confidently. This may take up to one month after surgery if performed on the right extremity because of the demands of operating a vehicle. With the consent of the surgeon, patients with elbow ligament reconstruction and tendonitis decompression can return to full activities within six months after surgery. Patients with elbow replacement surgery should refrain from activities requiring repetitive impact on the extremity, and even golf and tennis are not advised.

Costs

The surgeon and therapist should provide information to the patient about the usual cost of the rehabilitation program. The program is quite cost effective because it does incorporate a home exercise program along with a supervised program with a therapist.

Surgery for Elbow Instability, Arthritis, and Tendonitis at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4537 to make an appointment.

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