Knuckle, Wrist & Elbow Replacement

Knuckle, Wrist and Elbow joint replacements are more often carried out only in cases of severe pain and absolute lacking in the movement. These replacements are common with arthritis patients who have tried medication that could not eliminate pain.

Knuckle Replacement

Rheumatoid Arthritis that causes deformation for the hands is the main reason that contributes for knuckle replacement. In this process the damaged or affected cartilage or even tissues and bones are removed and a replacement is made with an artificial alternative joint in the existing healthy bone. Complete mobility is not restored with this process but regular shape is achieved. The knuckle replacement could be done for one joint or all the joints in a hand as per the patients condition.

Elbow Replacement

Three bones make a hinge joint which is called as Elbow Upper arm bone called as humerus, forearm bone called as ulna and the forearm bone in the thumb side called as radius. The joint is surrounded by articular cartilage and synovial membrane. A lubricating fluid secreted reduces friction during movements. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Post-traumatic arthritis and severe fractures could lead to elbow replacement. The damaged parts are replaced with artificial parts and the parts or components are made of either metal or plastic. There are various options for the patient with respect to size and specific needs or he patient can go for a partial replacement also.

Wrist replacement

Carpals are the bones that are located in the wrist portion in two rows comprising 4 bones in each row. Bones of the hand are thin and long and branch out of one of these two rows of carpals. At the end of the bones cartilage will be there that makes movements smooth.
Worning out of cartilage, Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis might lead to a wrist replacement. With wrist replacement surgery normal movements of the wrist could be recovered. Most of the implants consist of two metals consisting of a spacer made out of polyethylene that eliminated friction.