Elbow Surgery: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Elbow Surgery?
An orthopaedic surgeon, a surgeon who treats bones and joints, performs elbow surgery. Your surgeon may ask you to see your primary doctor first, to make sure you have no health problems that need care before surgery. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
In elbow arthroscopy, a surgeon puts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the elbow joint. This needs only very small cuts, not the larger cut used in open surgery. In total elbow replacement, the damaged parts of the upper arm bone and a forearm bone are replaced with artificial parts. The artificial joint is a metal and plastic hinge with two metal stems. We describe two elbow operations here, arthroscopy and total elbow replacement.
Why a doctor might recommend it
A doctor may suggest elbow arthroscopy for a painful problem that does not get better with treatment without surgery. Arthroscopy may treat tennis elbow. It may also remove loose pieces of cartilage and bone, and release scar tissue and bone spurs.
Doctors may consider total elbow replacement when arthritis causes severe pain and disability. It may also be used for a shattered elbow or a fracture that does not heal well. Another reason is instability, which means damaged ligaments let the elbow dislocate easily.
How to prepare
Common preparation steps include the following.
- Tell your surgeon about all medicines and supplements you take. You may be asked to stop some before surgery.
- You may need blood tests, an electrocardiogram, or a chest X-ray.
- For total elbow replacement, if you take blood thinners, your primary care doctor or a cardiologist will advise you about stopping them.
- After replacement, you will need help for a few weeks with tasks like dressing, bathing, cooking, and laundry.
What happens during it
Elbow arthroscopy may use general anesthesia, a nerve block, or both. General anesthesia puts you to sleep. A nerve block numbs your arm.
Most total elbow replacements use general anesthesia. You sleep through the whole operation. The surgeon makes a cut, usually at the back of the elbow, and gently moves muscles aside to reach the bone. The replacement stems go into the upper arm bone and the forearm bone. Bone cement holds them in place, and a hinge pin joins them.
Recovery
After arthroscopy, you may go home the same day. Some complex procedures need an overnight hospital stay. Ice and raise your elbow regularly for 48 hours to lower swelling and ease pain. The joint may take weeks to months to fully recover. A complicated procedure can take several months.
After total elbow replacement, most surgeons recommend a permanent lifting limit of no more than 5 to 10 pounds.
Risks and side effects
Elbow arthroscopy can cause infection, excessive bleeding, blood clots, and damage to blood vessels or nerves. Total elbow replacement can cause infection, which may even happen years later. The implant may wear down and loosen. More surgery, called a revision procedure, may then be needed. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, or fainting.
Who performs it
An orthopaedic surgeon performs elbow arthroscopy.
Common questions
Is elbow arthroscopy done as outpatient surgery?
Yes, it most likely will be if you are generally healthy. Outpatient means you will not stay overnight in the hospital.
When can I put weight on my arm after a total elbow replacement?
You will most likely not be allowed to put weight on your arm until about 6 weeks after surgery. You also may not push against resistance with your hand until then.
What activities should I avoid after a total elbow replacement?
Talk to your doctor about avoiding contact sports, activities with a major risk of falling, and heavy lifting of any kind.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Elbow Arthroscopy
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Total Elbow Replacement
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
