We all know that the elbow is one of the most complicated yet very important joints in the body. The joint plays a crucial role in everyday activities. So, any problems related to this joint interrupt our daily activities. Elbow problems make it impossible to carry out simple tasks such as driving. If you have elbow irritation, you should not hesitate to consult our elbow surgeons. They can help restore your elbow in good condition so that you lead a healthy life.
The elbow is not just a complicated joint, but it’s big as well. It joins the radius and ulna to the humerus. These bones are equally large and therefore require a larger joint to connect them. Furthermore, the elbow interconnects these parts via different muscles and ligaments. Note that problems with the elbow can interfere with your range of motion significantly.
Since the elbow is the most used joint, it’s susceptible to injuries, including hyperextension and fractures. There are several orthopedic conditions related to the elbow like osteoarthritis and bursitis, among others. Let’s look at instances when you may need to go for elbow surgery;
Arthroscopic surgery
This one is carried out in patients with elbow bursitis. This condition causes bursa inflammation. Bursae are tiny sacs filled with fluid and help cushion the muscles, bones, and tendons surrounding your body’s joints. At times the sacs may become inflamed, a condition referred to as bursitis.
However, bursitis does not just affect the elbow joint. It can also develop in the heel, hip, shoulders, and knee. But in most cases, bursitis mainly affects the elbow, hip, and shoulder. As a result, you may have a hard time doing your regular duties. Some cases of inflated sacs go away on their own. So, you may not have to undergo surgery unless in severe cases. Besides, the surgeon may decide to eliminate the affected bursa if need be. That said, it’s important to consult our elbow surgeons to determine whether you should undergo surgery or not.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
This kind of surgery is performed if a patient has rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis condition weakens the joints making them prone to wear and tear. However, rheumatoid arthritis is somehow different. According to health experts, RA is considered an autoimmune disorder. The condition lures the immune system into attacking the tissues in the body.
Unlike arthritis that causes wear and tear, RA interfere with the joints’ linings causing pain and swelling. If minimally invasive surgery is not performed early enough, the condition leads to bone erosion and abnormalities. But not all RA conditions require surgery. The doctor may try other non-surgical alternatives like physical therapy. If the symptoms persist, that’s to say that the treatment did not slow RA Progression. If that happens, surgery will be inevitable.
Elbow surgery
This is meant for tennis elbow. It is also called lateral epicondylitis. It’s likely to happen when one overworks tendons around the elbow. This condition can be very painful, and it’s not just meant for the athletes, as the name implies. Other jobs or activities that feature repetitive motions like carpentry or plumbing can cause tennis elbow. This kind of problem can as well be treated normally, but the doctor may recommend surgical treatment such as injections or ultrasonic tenotomy. If you have any elbow related problems, be sure to speak with experienced elbow surgeons today for further guidance.
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