Elbow Replacement
Guide price only. Final cost is confirmed after assessment.
Elbow replacement is offered at London Cartilage Clinic as the last step of our preserve, repair, regenerate, replace pathway, not the first. End-stage elbow arthritis is treated by replacing the worn joint surfaces with prosthetic components designed to restore movement and relieve pain. Every patient is assessed for biological and joint-preserving alternatives first, because there are usually options to try before replacement is the right answer.
Reviewed byProf Paul Lee MBBch, FRCS (Tr & Orth), PhDLast reviewed 1 May 2026
Replacement is the last step
not the first
The preserve, repair, regenerate, replace pathway exists because most elbow arthritis patients have more options than they have been told. We work through that pathway with you before replacement is recommended.
- Preserve: activity modification, biomechanical correction, and symptom-relief injections.
- Repair / regenerate: biological injections, EOAT for focal defects, cartilage repair where appropriate.
- Replace: total elbow replacement only when the alternatives have been exhausted or are not realistic.
We do offer elbow replacement and we do it well, but it sits at the bottom of the list of options because it is irreversible and carries lifelong lifting restrictions. Come and speak to us before you accept that replacement is the only answer.
Recovery and
expected outcomes
Elbow replacement recovery is gradual and structured. Early protection allows the soft tissues to heal around the new joint, with supervised range-of-motion work starting in the first weeks to prevent stiffness.
- Sling or splint for two to four weeks post-operatively.
- Early range-of-motion physiotherapy to prevent stiffness.
- Light functional use from six weeks, progressive activity over three to six months, with permanent lifting limits.
Most patients report substantial pain relief and improved daily-life function. The rehabilitation pathway and lifelong activity guidance are tailored to your replacement type and personal goals.
You may have more options than you think
Most patients have more treatment options than they have been told
At London Cartilage Clinic we follow a structured clinical framework across four areas of treatment. Before recommending a single procedure, we assess which combination of approaches gives you the best outcome.
Preserve
Protect what you have. Slow degeneration and manage symptoms.
Repair
Fix specific damage. Torn tissue, unstable joints, structural problems.
Regenerate
Rebuild lost tissue. Biological treatments that stimulate new growth.
Replace
When other options are exhausted. Joint replacement as a last resort.
Explore the full range of treatments available for your joint. Each hub page shows every option we offer, organised by clinical approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is elbow replacement the right option?
Elbow replacement is considered for end-stage elbow arthritis, severe rheumatoid disease or post-traumatic joint destruction where pain and functional loss have not responded to non-surgical treatment, biological injections, or joint-preserving surgery. Replacement sits at the bottom of our preserve, repair, regenerate, replace pathway, not the first answer offered.
What alternatives should I explore first?
Many patients with elbow arthritis have biological options including PRP, hyaluronic acid, mFat or stem cell injections, and joint-preserving procedures such as EOAT (elbow osteoplasty with augmented transplantation) for focal capitellum or trochlear defects. We assess every patient against this pathway before recommending replacement.
How long does elbow replacement last?
Total elbow replacement is expected to last 10 to 15 years in low-demand activity, with shorter survival in patients placing higher mechanical load on the joint. Lifting limits typically apply for life after replacement, which is one reason we exhaust the joint-preserving alternatives first.
What is the recovery after elbow replacement?
A sling or splint for two to four weeks with supervised early range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness. Light functional use begins from six weeks with progressive activity over three to six months. Lifting restrictions are typically permanent to protect the implant.
Are there lifelong restrictions after elbow replacement?
Yes. Most patients are advised to avoid lifting more than around five kilograms repeatedly with the operated arm for life, to protect the implant from premature wear or loosening. These restrictions are part of the conversation we have at consultation, well before any decision to proceed.
Still have more specific concerns?
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