How do replace a disintegrated shower elbow in the wall? Do I have to bust the tiles?

What's on the wall on the other side? Maybe THAT side would be easier to patch than the tiled side IF possible.

There is lapboard siding. I have considered removing some planks but am reluct to do that ( not sure how to without removing every plank.) Also not sure whether I'll need to replace the vertical pipe coming from the faucet controls. Wonder if it's threaded at the faucet end. If I cut the pipe in the wall will I have to add an extension to the pipe to keep the opening in the same place.

Where is the elbow located?
Is it shower only or shower/tub?
What is the vertical pipe is it PVC or copper?

If your vertical pipe is copper and your elbow is at the shower arm, you can easy fix it by replacing it with a sharkbite drop ear elbow see the image below, Thanks.

John

The vertical pipe appears to be PVC (by the looks og the elbow) in a shower only.

Thanks

Is this elbo located on the supply line to the valve? If you can't get to it by removing the face plate then you have no choice.
You either remove the tile or open up the area behind the valve. Good luck, Tom