Elbow replacement procedures can relieve pain and increase the range of motion in patients who suffer from arthritis, or who have sustained a serious injury. During elbow joint replacement, a doctor replaces the damaged joint bones with metal and plastic prosthetics, and may also use pins, screws, and wires to further stabilize the reconstructed the joint. The price of elbow replacement surgery in the US is around $50,000, while in the UK the price is about £35,000. Orthopedic surgeons abroad can replace a patient's elbow for less than half the cost. The most popular destinations for joint replacement surgery are Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia.

In Mexico and Costa Rica, the price of elbow replacement is about $17,000 or £11,000. In Colombia and Argentina, the cost is around $13,000 or £9,000. Orthopedic surgeons in Latin America often train in some of the best medical schools in the US and Europe. They stay current with the latest advancements in surgical techniques, and they operate in clean and modern hospitals. While patients undergo elbow replacement in Latin America, they will be attended by friendly nurses and doctors who speak English and understand patients' needs. Required hospital stay is two or three days, but patients should visit the doctor one week after surgery for a follow-up. If patients need to recover for a longer period of time in Latin America, they can take advantage of the low costs of food and lodging.