Rehabilitation Protocol for the Elbow
Elbow Replacement
Phase 1: First week
- You will be in a cast with the arm out straight for the first week.
- Keep the wrist moving by bending the wrist backwards and forwards. Gently pronate and supinate (rotate the wrist palm up and palm down) as discomfort allows.
Phase 2: 2-6 weeks
- You will be seen in the clinic for a wound check at 1 week
- The cast will be removed and the range of motion of the elbow will be assessed
- An X-ray will be taken to ensure that the components are in a good position
- If the elbow was very stiff a night splint may be made to help regain the full extension
- Continue with the exercises for the wrist.
- Start to gently flex and extend the elbow
- Aim: To have 50% of full motion by 6 weeks
Phase 3: 6-12 weeks
- You will be seen in the clinic at 6 weeks
- Continue to work on the range of motion
- Aim: To achieve full motion by 12 weeks
12 weeks
- Clinic review with the same criteria as for 6 weeks
- If good progress is being made with the range of motion you will be seen at 6 months and 1 year, then yearly after that for the elbow to be X-rayed.