• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Shoulder and Elbow Doctor – Buffalo, NY

Live Receptionist for Appointments: M-F 9 am – 5 pm: 716-204-3200

Dr. Matthew DiPaola

Dr. Matthew DiPaola

Buffalo, NY Shoulder and Elbow Doctor

  • Home
  • About
    • Philosophy
    • Dr. DiPaola
    • Locations
    • Patient Testimonials
  • Learn more
    • Videos
    • Shoulder Problems and Treatments
    • Elbow Problems and Treatments
    • Dr. DiPaola’s Shoulder and Elbow Blog
    • FAQ
      • Why Choose a Shoulder and Elbow Specialist?
      • General Practice and Office Visit
      • A Quick Checklist of Treatment Related Questions for Your Doctor
      • General FAQs About Surgery
      • Shoulder Surgery
      • Shoulder Replacement
      • Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
      • Hemiarthroplasty (Partial Shoulder Replacement) For Fracture
      • Rotator Cuff Repair
Contact

Why Elbow Replacements Are NOT Like Other Joint Replacements

Many people know someone who has had a knee or hip replacement. They are very common. Far fewer people know someone who has had their elbow replaced. Elbow arthritis occurs far less frequently than knee and hip arthritis. Hence the disparity, Recently elbow replacements have become even more rare.

In years past, patients with rheumatoid arthritis were the primary driver of elbow replacement rates. But fewer people with rheumatoid arthritis get elbow replacements today because the rheumatoid arthritis medications work so well at preventing the disease from advancing to the point of total joint destruction. The need for elbow replacement still arises.

But, since elbow replacements are performed less frequently than other joint replacements it may be difficult to find a surgeon familiar with the procedure. This is something to be aware of if you are considering this operation.

Elbow replacements come with unique risks

Do me a favor. Straighten out your arm. Now pinch the skin on the back of your elbow. Now bend your elbow.

Now you have an idea how little tissue lies between the air and the tip of your elbow bones. Not much.

Soft tissues like muscle and tendon act like a protective barrier around bone and joints. Because there is not a lot of soft tissue over the tip of your elbow this puts it at higher risk for potential wound complications if surgery is performed. Thus special precautions are warranted immediately after getting an elbow replacement to encourage good wound healing

You can’t treat an elbow replacement like your original elbow

While every joint replacement comes with some restrictions after the operation, restrictions for elbow replacements are probably a bit more onerous.

In general joint replacements are made from metal and plastic. Over time these parts wear. Heavy use leads to faster wear.

Most surgeons will recommend that patients with an elbow replacement lift no more than 5 lbs at a time with the affected arm or more than 2 lbs continuously. These guidelines come from the Mayo clinic surgeons. They have some of the greatest experience with elbow replacement in the world.

Will the elbow suddenly break if you lift more than this? Likely not. But over time it can wear out more rapidly.

I once saw a patient who had an elbow replacement put in by another surgeon about 8 years prior to his visit with me. The metal components were firmly secured into the bones of the arm. However his bearing surface, which is made of plastic, was completely worn out. Upon further questioning, the patient indicated that he was a farmer and routinely lifted buckets in excess of 30 lbs. And, oh yeah he had already had the bearing replaced once before!

Needless to say, elbow replacements aren’t made for heavy use. Maybe someday in the future they will stand up to more of a beating but we are not there yet.

Elbow replacements are sometimes used to treat fractures

In very select patients, elbow replacements may be a good option for treating very severe fractures of the end of the humerus (upper arm bone). Sometimes in older adults their bone is so weak and their joint surface is crushed so badly that “fixing” the fracture with plates and screws is impossible.

In this case an elbow replacement may be a better option.

This scenario is best reserved for older patients who use their elbow less than younger more active patients. Ideally, if you have a joint replacement, you want it to outlive you. So this option is not for everyone.

If you are considering elbow replacement and would like a personal consultation to learn more about whether this is a good option for you please contact us.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Can a New Balloon Implant Fix Your Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear?
  • Buffalo, NY Team Wins Award for Research on Shoulder Replacement Surgery
  • Unstable Shoulder: will an operation always work?
  • Slipping on Ice Can Lead to Serious Shoulder Injury in Buffalo, NY
  • Do Rotator Cuff Tears Get Bigger Over Time?

Categories

  • Adolescents
  • Decision Making
  • Dr. DiPaola's Blog
  • Elbow Problems and Treatments
  • Elbow Replacement
  • First Questions
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • General
  • MRI
  • Orthopedics
  • Physical Therapy
  • Rotator Cuff
  • Safety
  • Shoulder Arthritis
  • Shoulder Dislocation
  • Shoulder Fractures
  • Shoulder Labrum Tear
  • Shoulder Problems and Treatments
  • Shoulder Replacement
  • Sports Medicine
  • Uncategorized

Topics

Buffalo New York Canada lateral epicondylitis patients physical therapy and rotator cuff rotator cuff rotator cuff surgery rotator cuff tear shoulder pain shoulder surgery smoking tennis elbow

Meet Dr. DiPaola

Matthew DiPaola MD 2020

Matthew DiPaola, M.D

Dr. DiPaola is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and shoulder and elbow specialist. He has attained extensive training in the treatment of shoulder and elbow conditions and dedicates his practice to treating shoulder and elbow dysfunction with the most advanced surgical and non surgical … Read more about Matthew DiPaola, M.D

Contact Dr. DiPaola

Please contact me for an appointment or … Click here for more options about Contact Me

Are You Confused About Rotator Cuff Tears?

What are they? What is the right treatment for your rotator cuff? Why did your brother-in-law get surgery for his and you are only doing therapy? If you’re reading this you may already know how painful rotator cuff tears are. You yourself may have difficulty sleeping or lifting your arm overhead. … Read more about Are You Confused About Rotator Cuff Tears?

  • YouTube

If you are looking to:

  • Find out why your shoulder won't stop hurting at night
  • Wake up energized from a good night’s sleep again
  • Know if your shoulder pain is a sign of something serious, or if you can safely ignore it
Click Here to Make An Appointment

At your visit I will personally see you and:

  • Listen to your unique needs and goals
  • Review your imaging tests
  • Perform a physical exam
  • Fully explain your options
  • Answer your questions
...and get you on the road to a better night’s sleep.

In Good Health,
Matthew DiPaola M.D.

Footer

Recent Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8r2-I7xYzc

Useful Links

  • Shoulder Problems and Treatments
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Shoulder & Elbow Blog
  • Contact
  • Video

Phone

Appointments: 716-204-3200

Email

mdipaola@buffalo.edu

Address

4949 Harlem Rd, Amherst, NY  14221
Web Design
  • YouTube
Legal Disclaimer & Privacy Policy – Disclosure About TestimonialsCopyright Matthew DiPaola © 2023. All rights reserved.

Return to top