Elbow Fusion Surgery Performed in Freehold and Monroe Township, NJ
An elbow fusion (sometimes called arthrodesis) is a surgical procedure that may be used to address osteoarthritis in the elbow. After the bones of the elbow joint are fused together, they may grow into one solid piece of bone, which can improve pain during elbow joint movement.
How Does Osteoarthritis Form in the Elbow?
The elbow joint is made up of three bones: the humerus bone of the upper arm, and the ulna and radius bones of the forearm. The ulna and the humerus bones meet at the elbow to form a hinge, which allows the arm to bend and straighten.
These bones are covered by articular cartilage, a smooth, rubbery material that protects the bone ends from friction when they rub together as the joint moves. Over time, the articular cartilage can begin to wear away, allowing the bones to rub painfully against each other.
How Elbow Fusion Works
Most elbow fusion procedures are designed to remove damaged articular cartilage from the bone surfaces of the hinge joint and then bind the two surfaces together, which prompts the body to respond as if the bone were fractured. New bone will then form to heal the two pieces together, creating a strong, solid connection between the humerus and ulna in the arthritic joint. Typically, a patient will gain strength in his or her elbow and no longer feel the pain of the bones rubbing together, but will also lose some range of motion. For those who need mobility in their elbow, doctors may recommend another procedure, such as an elbow joint replacement.
Turn to AOSMI
At Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute, our board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons can perform elbow fusion surgery at our state-of-the-art facilities in Freehold and Monroe Township, New Jersey. For additional information, or to schedule an appointment, contact our professionals today.
