ObjectiveTo explore the effect of early rehabilitation nursing on elbow joint function recovery after artificial radial head replacement. MethodsFrom June 2010 to June 2012, 42 patients with artificial radial head replacement were randomly divided into two groups:trial group and control group. The control group was treated by the doctor instructions following routine rehabilitation therapy and nursing. The trial group received the guidance of professional rehabilitation nursing and early rehabilitation training. ResultsThe patients' range of elbow joint activities, alleviation of the pain, the strength grade, and the rehabilitation effect in the trial group was obviously better than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in joint stability (P<0.05). ConclusionThe rehabilitation nursing should start early after the surgery for the artificial radial head replacement. It can prevent joint stiffness, joint conglutination and muscle disuse atrophy, reduce complications, and improve the quality of survival.