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