Use of Elbowlift can reduce risk for some of the most common causes of olecranon bursitis, including:
• Trauma: Falling on the elbow can cause the bursa to swell.
• Prolonged pressure: Swelling of the bursa can occur if the elbow leans or rests on a hard surface over a several month period.
Use of Elbowlift helps eliminate this kind of pressure.
• Infection: In addition to padding the bursa, Elbowlift, together with skin treatment, can prevent bursa infection caused by cuts or insect bites.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and gout: Patients with these medical conditions are particularly prone to olecranon bursitis.
Elbowlift can also serve patients suffering from ulnar neuritis (cubital tunnel syndrome). Padding the ulnar nerve can provide relief from the aching and tingling associated with this condition.
Elbowlift® Suspension Pad FAQs
1) What are the indications for using the Elbowlift® Suspension Pad?
The latex free Elbowlift® is indicated for all elbow skin injuries but particularly to relieve pressure injury. It is indicated for olecranon bursitis and to protect the ulnar nerve.
2) How does the Elbowlift protect the elbow?
The two columnar pads elevate the arm and forearm thus suspending the skin over the olecranon, olecranon bursa, and the ulnar nerve in the cubital notch.
3) Does the Elbowlift stay in place?
Yes! The foam-skin friction is much greater than the tricot (nylon) backing on the Elbowlift allowing it to glide over bedsheets without displacing the Elbowlift. The thick foam covered strap can be customized to provide a perfect fit.
4) Does the latex free Elbowlift disrupt intravenous placement?
NO! The strap design allows intravenous placement throughout the entire forearm. If IV placement in the anticubitalfossa is necessary, a segment of the thick foam pad can be removed, and the remaining segments placed on the Velcro® strap.
5) How can I wash/clean the Elbowlift®?
The Elbowlift can be hand, or machine washed/dried. For machine washing and drying it is best if placed in a net laundry bag or pillow case with the strap firmly closed. It can also be autoclaved for sterilization.
6) Is the Elbowlift cost covered by Medicare or Medicaid?
Yes, under code EO191. However, in our experience, the regional Medicare and Medicaid carriers rarely actually pay for it.
7) How long will the Elbowlift last?
The Elbowlift is warranted to last for three months use on a single patient. Replacement within three months is free upon return of the damaged used Elbowlift to us.
