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Date: 06.05.2014
From: Lucy

Subject: Elbow replacement / fusion

Hi there, I've have JIA since I was 11 months old (now 35!). I had a routine steroid injection in my elbow which caused septic arthritis and osteomyelitis, despite pleas in A&E and to rheumy I was left undiagnosed for 6 days. By the time it was diagnosed and I was rushed into surgery the infection had rotted what was left of my elbow joint away. I have about an inch up and down movement and no rotation in my arm now and am in constant pain. I now have to decide whether to have a replacement or a fusion. Both options are very high risk because of the infection and neither will improve my movement. I'm hoping that I can get the pain under control. My question is has anyone had an elbow replacement or fusion and how was it and is it etc? Thank you!
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Date: 06.05.2014
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: Elbow replacement / fusion

Lucy why do you think a replacement wont help your movement , did not even know they fused elbows , my right elbow has very limited movement ( about 30 degrees ) but fusing it at right angle would seem strange

you could try arthritis care forum & see if anyone on there had thier elbow done
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Date: 07.05.2014
From: Lucy

Subject: Re: Elbow replacement / fusion

Thanks Colin, am trying everywhere! My movement has been about 10 degrees at best over the past 18 months since the infection and despite 3 ops to try and fix it. Yes they can fuse elbows and at my age it's more tempting as I won't be signing up for multiple surgeries on my elbow and my arm will be stronger than with a replacement. You can choose what angle to fuse at, so it wouldn't look much different to where it's stuck now. I'm getting a full arm cast done today for a week to try it out. I worry about a replacement as it's not permanent and I need my ankle replacing as soon as arm sorted but this will be hard as I cannot weight bear or hold anything more than about 400g post replacement. So many pros and cons and risks because of the infection I'm going around in circles!
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Date: 07.05.2014
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: Elbow replacement / fusion

hi Lucy , they offered to clean out my elbow a few years ago but at the time was already booked in to have a triple fusion on my ankle , had the other one done 8 years earlier , at some point will need the main ankle joint fused or replaced as well as my right elbow & left wrist + expect could be several other joints after having alot of problems earlier this year

which joint do they want to opperate on your ankle ? , as for your elbow I would be tempted to have it fused because that is what they recommend for people with infections + no more joint pain has to be good
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Date: 07.05.2014
From: Lucy

Subject: Re: Elbow replacement / fusion

Colin, I have my right ankle totally fused in 2010 and they want to replace the other one so that I can still walk a bit. Neither replacement or fusion are a good option for people who have had an infection in the joints as there is a high risk of recurrence and any prosthesis or plates and screws have to be removed. It's very difficult to decide which way to jump. I'm now back from hospital and have a full arm cast on to see how a fusion would feel and to be honest, it doesn't feel much different to what I can and can't do now. Will have to see how I cope over the next couple of weeks! If you have any questions about full ankle fusion, feel free to ask as been there done that got the tshirt and scars to prove it lol!
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Date: 13.05.2014
From: sue

Subject: Re: Elbow replacement / fusion

hi lucy, i'm waiting to have my elbow replaced at the moment, been told it will be in about 18 weeks time, im in agony and cant even dress myself, I will let you know how it goes, but I can say I had both knees replaced in 2010 and have never looked back
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Date: 15.05.2014
From: Lucy

Subject: Re: Elbow replacement / fusion

Hi Sue, thanks for that, good luck with the operation! I can't dress, wash or feed myself, basically my arm is useless and has been since the infection 18 months ago. I'm so confused as to which op to choose as I have no rotation and such minimal movement I don't feel like I'd miss it if I chose a fusion. Have you got much movement and have they said it will remain the same or improve?
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