Dr L Tomar is an elbow replacement Surgeon who is very well known for his capabilities and expertise based in New Delhi. He is an excellent surgeon who has besides having the surgical expertise also is known to use new technological adaptation methods in the field of elbow replacement surgery. He will do his best to help you recover fully using the least invasive treatment method possible. Dr. L Tomar is one of the pioneers in elbow replacement in India and has handled hundreds of cases all by himself.
Elbow replacement surgery is an intricate procedure because the elbow has several parts that balance each other with great accuracy to control the very moment of the forearm. The elbow can be possibly damaged by either by rheumatoid arthritis to painful fractures. In few cases, the doctors can fix it surgically and it can be repaired but if the damage is widespread, doctors recommend elbow replacement surgery. This is done by Dr. L Tomar who is a known specialist in this field. The most common reason because of which people want to go for elbow replacement surgery is a pain.
About the surgery
Elbow is a hinge joint which is made up of humerus, ulna and radius. All three meet to form the elbow joint which is covered with the articulate cartilage which enables the joint to move easily. A smooth and thin tissue called synovial membrane covers the remaining surface. The membrane is responsible for making the lubricating fluid to eliminate any friction while movement.
In the elbow surgery the damaged part of the humerus and ulna are replaced by the artificial component. This artificial elbow is made up of plastic and metal hinges with two metal stem. This metal stem fits inside the hollow part of the bone called the canal. In some specific situation there is partial elbow replacement surgery also. Doctor decides about which type of surgery is suitable for the patient.
Types of elbow replacement
In some case, there is a need for a replacement to just one portion of the joint. For instance, if only the head of the forearm bone also known as the radius is damaged it can be replaced by the artificial head.
But if there is need to replace the entire joint, the ends of the bone that comes together in the elbow will firstly be removed. The long, slender ends of the artificial joint are inserted into the soft central part of the bones.
What are the risk factors?
The most common complication that may arise is:
- Infection
- Injury to nerve and blood vessels
- Allergic reaction to the artificial joints
- Broken bones
- Stiffness or instability of the joint
- Loosening or wearing of the artificial parts
- Weakness or failure of the tendons of the arms
- Pain
Other types of general risk involved because of the anesthesia such as allergic reaction to medicines and breathing problems. And surgical problem like bleeding and blood clots are possible too.
What to expect:
Elbow replacement surgery will take about 2 hours for the whole process and it will start with anesthesia so you keep sleeping throughout the process. You might have to stay in the hospital for about 4 to 5 days. You will have stitches and bandage over your elbow and maybe support to keep your arm steady and stable while it heals. You might need a strong pain medication after the surgery which involves cutting skin, tendons, and bone.
