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HomeSummaryReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryPreparation Costs Surgical team Finding an experienced surgeon Facilities About the procedureRecovering from surgeryRehabilitationConclusion

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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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Preparing for surgery

Preparation

The best surgical results occur in healthy motivated patients who have had the appropriate work up and initial treatment. It is important to recognize potential sources of infection such as the bladder and the gums. The potential for infection may be reason to delay surgery. The patient should not be on anti-inflammatory medications prior to surgery, as these medications can result in excessive bleeding after surgery. Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications should be stopped at least seven days prior to surgery. The patient needs to plan on less function than usual for twelve weeks after surgery.
Driving, shopping, and performing usual chores may be difficult during this time. Plans for necessary assistance need to be made before surgery. For individuals who live alone or without readily available help, arrangements for home help should be made well in advance.

Costs

The surgeon's office should provide a reasonable estimate of:

the surgeon's fee,
the hospital fee, and
the degree to which these should be covered by the patient's insurance.

Surgical team

Elbow reconstructive surgery is technically demanding and should be performed by an experienced surgeon in a medical center accustomed to performing stabilization, reconstruction, and decompression. The surgeon should be experienced with all matters of upper extremity surgery, including tendon repair and reconstruction, nerve repair, and arterial repair as well as joint replacement.

Finding an experienced surgeon

A surgeon who specializes in complex upper extremity reconstruction may be located through University Schools of Medicine or the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (www.assh.org).

Facilities

Elbow reconstruction is usually performed at a major medical center or hospital that performs these procedures on a regular basis. These institutions have surgical teams and facilities assigned for this type of surgery. They also have the nurses and therapists who are accustomed to assisting patients in their recovery.

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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