Elbow arthroplasties are becoming increasingly common joint replacements as the indications for their use widens from primarily late stage rheumatoid arthritis to include both late stage osteoarthritis and treatment for complex elbow fractures.

Elbow arthroplasties involve two main types

• total elbow arthroplasty (as in this case)
• radial head replacement

The indications and complications for each type are slightly different, as covered in the main article on elbow arthoplasty.