Orthopedics and Arthroplasty

Shoulder and elbow replacement

Elbow and shoulder replacements are less common than hip and knee replacements because there is normally less wear and tear on those joints, and patients often tolerate elbow and shoulder arthritis better than hip and knee conditions. The primary reason for doing a total elbow or shoulder replacement is pain. Another subgroup of candidates for the procedures includes patients with unreconstructable joint fractures. Total shoulder and total elbow replacement are more common in older patients, because the prostheses tend to have a finite life expectancy usually around 15 years and because the condition of younger patients suffering from joint difficulties can often be improved without surgery.