Elbow replacement surgery replaces an arthritic or damaged elbow joint with artificial parts. Recovering elbow strength and movement following this major surgical procedure, also known as arthroplasty, may take up to a year.
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Hospital Stay
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A three- to four-day hospital stay is standard for most people who undergo elbow replacement surgery. You can go home when the incision is dry, your pain is manageable and you can perform basic range-of-motion exercises.
Limits
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For the first few weeks, your surgeon will set limits on your use of the new joint. The University of Washington Medical Center's Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine division recommends lifting nothing heavier than a cup of coffee for six weeks.
At Home
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You will probably need oral pain medications such as hydrocodone for no more than two weeks following surgery. You will also learn rehabilitation exercises that you can practice at home.
Rehabilitation
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Many surgeons allow elbow replacement patients to do their exercise therapy at home. The surgeon or a physical therapist can help evaluate your progress. Once you achieve your motion and strength goals, you can scale down your exercise.
Warning
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Don't engage in activities that involve impact or heavy lifting. You could risk loosening, wearing down or fracturing the new joint. A second elbow replacement is usually not as successful as the initial replacement.
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