Elbow Surgery Recovery?

Question

My mother broke her elbow about 2 weeks ago. The break required screws in it, so she got surgery on it about 3 days ago. She's a very active person and is pretty depressed about the pain. Her doctor isn't giving her many answers. Has anybody out there experienced something similar? How long was your recovery, and did you regain full use of your arm? Thanks for any information.

Answer 1

Some patients may begin to regain function of the elbow as soon as 12 weeks after an Elbow Replacement Surgery, although additional recovery can take up to a year.

Physical therapy, starting with gentle flexing exercises, should be followed for better recovery. Patients who have a splint typically start therapy a few weeks later than those who do not.

The patient will need help with everyday activities, such as driving, shopping, bathing, meal preparation, and household chores, for up to six weeks. Also, the patient should not lift more than five pounds with the operated arm, even when fully recovered.

In the case of pain, it is natural to be felt during the first week or two. I am sure, your mother have been prescribed some pain-killers. If the pain be too intolerable and doesn't go away after the week of her surgery, I will suggest, She gets some scans and tests done for the following possibilities:

- Nerve damage during surgery

- Blood vessel damage during surgery

- Bone break during surgery

- Dislocation of the artificial joint

- Loosening of the implant

- Allergic reaction to the implant

Wishing You All Good Health !