Elbow Replacement Surgery: a Cautious Choice
At 71 years old, Rita Ecabert has a lot of living ahead of her, but her elbow was getting in the way. An old injury caused the problem.
"There are too many things I'd still like to do," says Rita. "Activity in the house, or maintaining the house, was getting more difficult because I could not extend my arm."
Rita's family suggested she visit Dr. Mark Franco, and he recommended something very rare: elbow replacement surgery.
"I put in a hinge, or an artificial elbow. They're much less common than artificial hips or knees, and they're not quite as durable. But it is an alternative" says Dr. Franco.
He does only a couple of elbow replacements a year, in part because most people are not aware that the surgery is available.
People who are candidates for an elbow replacement can include those who suffer from rheumatoid disease, have suffered trauma, or a bone-crushing injury.
The surgery is not a last resort, Dr. Franco says, rather, it is cautious choice.
Rita has some restrictions with her new elbow, and Dr. Franco figures it will last around ten years.
Rita's reply? "There's a lot of life out there and I want to live it."
