Raidal Head Fracture implant removal

[wfitz89]

Good evening, I broke the radial head of my left elbow in August.  I had it replaced with a prostetic.  Now I am having severe pain and my doctor said it looks like there is to much movement within the radius and is suggesting that he remove the implant.  What does this actually mean long term?

[JD1963]

Hi! Welcome to MedHelp! I am the Orthopedic Community Leader for this website. I can only give you my opinion, please always consult your physician. I'm really not clear on what device you presently have and what bone(s) he/she is proposing to remove. The three bones that comprise the elbow are the Humerus (upper arm bone), the Radius (forearm bone - thumb side) and the Ulna (forearm bone - outer). I'm unsure if you had a TER (Total Elbow Replacement), ORIF (Open Reduction Internal Fixation) or a partial elbow replacement (hemi). I'm sorry I can't request test results like x-rays, but those are the rules. Hopefully someone in a similar situation will post here. Best wishes! jd1963

[worried4myfuture]

I broke my radial head and had a elbow dislocation in my right arm this past August and I had a prosthetic device implant. I have had 3 surgeries and I can't straighten my arm and have no rotation and can't touch my face. However, he now wants to take the device out and remove bone from the 2  bones in my forearm  that has joined them together. This will leave the one bone not joined to my elbow. How will this affect me long term?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
In the long term this may lead to joint instability or stiffness or limitation of movement and restriction in weight carrying. You need to discuss this with your doctor. Probably some type of internal fixation will be tried. However, getting full range of movement and strength will be unlikely. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.