2nd Radial head replacement

[silverfish]

Hi, First post

Bit of background. I'm a fit and active 36 year old male, ex military, partake in a lot of physical past times.

I fracture dislocated my left elbow MAY 07.
The surgeon was unable to rebuild the radial head so put a metal prosthesis in as well as having to reattach all my ligaments.

I had an uneventful recovery with good range of movement (relatively) I then developed an infection which led to having the radial head washed out, eventually leading to removal of radial head

This led to a 4mm impaction of the ulna in the wrist leading to severe pain and reduced range of movement

Since I have had another radial head prosthesis put in along with the potential of having to have my ulna shortened if the wrist impaction doesn't resolve.

6 months down the line PRESENT DAY

My surgeon has explained that I have a good compromise, good range of movement and reduced wrist pain. This is as good as it gets, infact I will have to be reviewed six monthly as he described it as a degenerative condition (bone against metal wears out) expect arthritic condition within 7 years

When I asked about physio to build some strength and protection back in to the elbow, he said there was nothing that would help. He was adamant that nothing will improve my short/medium/long term discomfort and prognosis

In fact I asked the physio on the ward and she scratched her head and suggested I googled the problem..................

I'm sure some physio would be more than helpful. at present I am doing grip exercises and gross upper body exercise with medium therabands

The elbow has marked crepitus and "clonking" which appears to have improved with use (I am six months post surgery)

Can you advise, is it really that black and white?

Apologies for the longwinded first post

Similar Threads:

• Post Radial Head Excision Block
• Undisplaced Radial Head Crack
• Post radial head fracture stiffness
• Radial Head Fracture
• congenital elbow and radial head dislcation