My dad who is 92y/o fell last week on his arm in which he had had elbow replacement surgery.  The x-ray shows that he has knocked everything loose and he cannot lift his arm at all, plus his shoulder is very sore.  He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure last year and I would like to know the risks involved and/or there other options besides the surgery???   He is not diabetic. Thank you, gail pate
Hello! Welcome on Chat Doctor!First, it is necessary to carefully investigate the degree of the traumatic injury to the elbow. Whether the recommended therapy is surgery or just conservative treatment it will depend on the fact serious damage has happened (any broken bone, or hematoma, etc.). Considering the fact, your dad is suffering form heart failure, doesn't necessarily mean that there is a firm contraindication to a potential invasive orthopedic treatment. Coming to this point, a review of his cardiovascular status is advised:A careful physical exam coupled with a chest X-ray study, ECG, cardiac ultrasound, liver and renal function tests would be necessary to definitely give the exact answer of the cardiovascular risk level imposed by an orthopedic surgery or the aggravated clinical condition your dad is actually experiencing. I would be glad to review any available cardiac tests and assist you further with medical advice. Hope to have been helpful to you! Kind regards,