Total Elbow Replacement (TER) is a surgical procedure used to treat severe elbow pain and loss of function caused by arthritis, trauma, or joint damage. The procedure replaces the damaged parts of the elbow joint with artificial components designed to restore movement and reduce pain.

The elbow joint is made up of the humerus (upper arm bone) and the ulna and radius (forearm bones), which work together to allow bending and rotation of the arm. During elbow replacement surgery, the damaged joint surfaces are replaced with prosthetic components that enable smoother, more stable movement.

When Is An Elbow Replacement Recommended?

• Elbow pain persists despite non-surgical treatment

• Arthritis or previous injury has significantly damaged the joint

• Daily activities such as lifting, eating, or personal care are affected

• Mobility and quality of life are reduced

The aim of total elbow replacement is to:

• Reduce or eliminate elbow pain

• Improve joint movement and function

• Restore ability to perform everyday activities

• Improve overall quality of life

Elbow replacement is a reliable procedure for treating advanced elbow arthritis or complex joint damage and can provide meaningful pain relief and improved function.

Elbow stiffness can occur following injury, surgery or prolonged immobilisation. It may limit the ability to fully bend or straighten the arm and can affect everyday function.

Who May Benefit?

Treatment may be considered for:

• Patients with restricted elbow movement

• Individuals following injury or surgery

• Persistent stiffness affecting daily tasks

• Limited response to rehabilitation

Management is tailored to restore movement and function.

Loose bodies are small fragments of bone or cartilage that become detached within the elbow joint. These fragments can cause pain, locking, or catching during movement.

Who May Benefit?

Treatment may be considered for:

• Patients experiencing joint locking or catching

• Individuals with pain during movement

• Loose fragments identified on imaging

• Persistent symptoms not improving with conservative care

Treatment may involve removal of the loose bodies, often using minimally invasive techniques.

A rupture of the distal biceps tendon occurs when the tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the elbow becomes torn. This can result in pain, weakness, and reduced ability to rotate or lift the forearm.

Who May Benefit?

Treatment may be considered for:

• Patients with a confirmed tendon rupture

• Individuals experiencing weakness in lifting or rotation

• Acute injury following a sudden load or strain

• Patients requiring restoration of strength and function

Surgical repair may be recommended in suitable cases.

Distal Triceps Tendon Repair is a surgical procedure used to treat a tear or rupture of the triceps tendon at its attachment to the elbow. The procedure restores the connection between the triceps muscle and the bone, helping to regain strength, movement, and function of the arm.

The triceps tendon connects the triceps muscle at the back of the upper arm to the olecranon, which is the bony tip of the elbow. This tendon is responsible for straightening the elbow and assisting with pushing movements. When the tendon is torn or ruptured, elbow extension can become weak, painful, or impossible.

Distal triceps tendon repair may be considered when:

• There is a partial or complete tear of the triceps tendon

• Elbow strength is significantly reduced

• Straightening the arm is painful or difficult

• Non-surgical treatment has not improved symptoms

• Function in daily activities, work, or sport is affected

The aim of distal triceps tendon repair is to:

• Reattach the torn tendon to the elbow bone

• Restore elbow extension strength

• Reduce pain and improve stability

• Restore arm function for everyday activities

• Support return to work, exercise, and sport

Distal triceps tendon repair is an effective procedure for restoring strength and function following tendon injury and can provide excellent long-term outcomes when combined with appropriate rehabilitation.

Radial Head Fracture is an injury involving a break in the radial head, which is the top part of the radius bone located at the elbow joint. This type of fracture commonly occurs after a fall onto an outstretched hand or direct trauma to the elbow and can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the arm.

The elbow joint is made up of three bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), ulna, and radius (forearm bone). The radial head sits at the top of the radius and helps the elbow bend, straighten, and rotate the forearm. When this area is fractured, normal movement of the elbow and forearm can be significantly affected.

Treatment for a radial head fracture may be considered when:

• Elbow pain persists after injury

• There is swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the elbow

• Movement is restricted, particularly when rotating the forearm

• The fracture is displaced or involves multiple fragments

• Daily activities such as lifting, dressing, or writing are affected

Treatment may be non-surgical, such as using a sling and physiotherapy, or surgical if the fracture is severe or unstable.

The aim of treatment for a radial head fracture is to:

• Reduce pain and swelling

• Restore elbow and forearm movement

• Promote proper bone healing

• Return strength and function for everyday activities

• Prevent long-term stiffness or instability

With appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, most radial head fractures heal well and allow a good return to normal function.

Tennis elbow is a condition caused by irritation or degeneration of the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It is often related to repetitive use or strain.

Symptoms typically include pain on the outer part of the elbow and difficulty with gripping or lifting.

Who May Benefit?

Treatment may be considered for:

• Patients with persistent elbow pain

• Individuals with pain during gripping or lifting

• Repetitive strain or overuse injuries

• Symptoms not improving with initial treatment

Management may include physiotherapy, activity modification, or further intervention where required.