Why is my recovery after radial head replacement surgery slow, even though I am doing physiotherapy?

Doctor's Answer

Photo of Dr Sean Ng
Dr Sean Ng

Orthopaedic Surgeon

It would be a bit difficult to answer your question, as there are many potential factors. Your fracture must have been pretty serious to have a radial head replacement instead of an open reduction internal fixation. Were there any other concomitant injuries (ligament, capsule etc) that needed to be addressed as well?

Physiotherapy is extremely important in elbow surgery, and my advice is to keep at it.

Do not stop physiotherapy. You may need 3-4 months of physiotherapy. If the original injury was very bad, there is a possibility you may not recover your full range of movement, but the aim is to at least have a functional recovery, where you can do most things and activities of daily living.

Kind regards

Dr Sean Ng

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