What effects can elbow joint fusion surgery achieve?
Elbow arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that permanently fuses two or more adjacent elbow bone segments. This surgery can relieve pain, stabilize the joint, improve function, prevent further damage, and correct deformities. If you have any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Pain Relief: Elbow arthrodesis can effectively reduce or eliminate pain caused by joint injury, inflammation, or deformity. By fusing the joint, abnormal nerve impulses and inflammatory responses can be reduced, thereby improving the patient's quality of life and freeing them from pain.
2. Joint Stability: The surgical fusion of elbow bone segments enhances joint stability. It is suitable for patients with joint instability caused by trauma, congenital deformities, or arthritis. Once the joint is stabilized, recurrent injuries caused by instability can be reduced, further protecting the surrounding soft tissues.
3. Functional Improvement: Although elbow arthrodesis limits joint mobility, for patients with severe joint damage or deformities, the surgery can improve overall limb function by stabilizing the joint. Patients will be better able to perform basic daily activities such as dressing and eating, thus enhancing their ability to care for themselves.
4. Prevention of Further Damage: Elbow arthrodesis can prevent further wear and damage caused by joint instability or abnormal movement, protecting the surrounding ligaments, muscles, and other soft tissues, which helps prolong the joint's longevity.
5. Deformity Correction: Patients with elbow joint deformities can benefit from corrective effects through elbow arthrodesis. By surgically adjusting the joint's position and angle, the normal joint shape can be restored, improving the patient's appearance and self-confidence.
However, elbow arthrodesis also brings some side effects and challenges, such as limited functional recovery, reduced range of motion, risks of complications, and potential need for secondary surgeries. Therefore, before undergoing surgery, patients should thoroughly evaluate the risks and benefits and make decisions under the guidance of a qualified physician.
References
[1] Jiang H. Comprehensive rehabilitation treatment after congenital radiohumeral arthrodesis [J]. Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 2011, 19(09): 58-59.
[2] Wei L, Su J. A case report of congenital elbow arthrodesis combined with complete absence of ipsilateral first and fifth metacarpophalangeal joints [J]. Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics, 2001, (04): 29.