Elbow Pain
Discovery® Elbow System

The elbow consists of three compartments (humerus, ulna, and radius) that provide two types of motion. The humerus and the ulna allow for hinge-type motion. The humerus and the radius provide rotational motion. The joint surfaces are covered by cartilage, providing a cushion between the bones. The cartilage can become damaged by various events, including fracture, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory or rheumatoid arthritis. When rheumatoid arthritis is present, the cartilage is not being provided with enough lubrication and nourishment. This leads to loss of motion and pain in the elbow.

Recent technological advancements and newer surgical instruments are available for elbow implants, giving surgeons more options in their efforts to relieve pain and restore joint function.

Similar to total knee and total hip replacement, the cartilage and bone in the elbow are replaced with an artificial implant. Due to the concentration of surrounding nerves, vessels, and soft tissues, the elbow can be a complicated joint to replace. Biomet's Discovery® Elbow System is designed to anatomically replicate the natural anatomy, providing a better fit for the patient.

Most elbow implants are made up of a loose hinge mechanism that resembles a door hinge with a specified amount of "play" built in, which allows for specific types of upper extremity movement. The Discovery Elbow replicates anatomically correct movement by incorporating a spherical hinge. This unique hinge design effectively spreads out the normal joint stresses over the surface area of the polyethylene (plastic) portion of the implant. This can result in a significant minimization of wear, which is often a leading cause of implant failure.

The Discovery Elbow System is one implant option available to you and your surgeon. Only your orthopedic surgeon can determine if you are a candidate for this system or if another implant would better address your unique situation.