Because of frequent joint bleeds, minor and major orthopedic procedures are the most common elective procedures needed in people with hemophilia A or B with inhibitors. To learn more about your surgical procedure, select from the options in the drop down menu below.
ELBOW SURGERY
Although elbow replacement has been done, it is not as common as joint or hip replacement in people with hemophilia.14 There are limitations on what a person can lift after elbow replacement. In addition, there are few alternatives to correct the elbow if an infection occurs and the complication rate is high.2,14
The elbow is a hinge joint consisting of three bones. The upper arm bone (humerus) and the two forearm bones (radius and ulna) which are side by side.
Elbow surgery in people with hemophilia A or B with inhibitors involves removing the damaged end of the radius, one of the forearm bones. The surgery is called radial head excision. Usually synovectomy will be performed at the same time and damaged tissue will be removed.
This procedure usually results in good pain relief and improves forearm rotation, but the amount you can bend your elbow will usually not change much. X-ray image courtesy of Hemophilia Treatment Center at Orthopedic Hospital, Los Angeles. Courtesy of James V Luck and Mauricio Silva
Although elbow replacement has been done, it is not as common as joint or hip replacement in people with hemophilia.14 There are limitations on what a person can lift after elbow replacement. In addition, there are few alternatives to correct the elbow if an infection occurs and the complication rate is high.2,14 
