After Knee Hip & Shoulder, the joints which are mostly replaced are Elbow, Wrist and Foot & Ankle. the common reason may be arthritis or injury resulting in pain and stiffness. Trauma or sport injury may be reason for osteoarthritis of these joints. Orthopaedic Doctor may suggest for replacement of these based on patient’s age, problem type and severeness of case.
Although elbow joint replacement is much less common than knee or hip replacement, but it is helpful in relieving joint pain and returning people to their normal life.
Most common reason for elbow joint replacement are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease), post-traumatic arthritis, and intra-articular distal humeral fractures in the elderly with poor bony quality, Severe Fractures etc.
In total elbow replacement surgery, the damaged parts of the humerus and ulna are replaced with artificial implants. The artificial elbow joint is made up of a metal and plastic hinge with two metal stems. The stems fit inside the hollow part of the bone called the canal.
Patient needs partial elbow replacements or total knee replacement (TEA) based on doctor’s suggestion that which is best.
Ankle bone and the ends of two lower leg bones make up the ankle joint. Ligaments, which connect bones to one another, stabilize and support it and muscles and tendons move it. Most people experience pain in and around their toe, feet or ankles at some point in their lives that caused pain or swelling. The reason for ankles problems may be Arthritis, Sprains or fractures. The types of Arthritis that Affect the Ankle are Osteoarthritis (OA), Post-traumatic arthritis or Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
The most common ankle problems are sprains and fractures (broken bones) which generally occurs during sports injuries. Injury to the ligaments is called sprain that may take few weeks or months to heal completely. Other Parts of the ankle which probably may injure are tendons. Tendons join muscles to bone, and cartilage and helps in movement. Generally our body movement do not cause such problems, but these symptoms develop from everyday wear and tear, overuse, or an injury.
Toe, foot, or ankle injuries most commonly occur during:
During sports play, or falls in Children mostly toe, foot, or ankle injuries occurs. Persons doing athletic works like dancers, gymnasts, or soccer or basketball players, have an increased risk of toe, foot or ankle injuries. In adults these may occur due to lose of muscle mass and bone strength caused by age factor.
