Elbow Surgery (Lateral Epicondylitis Surgery)
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a painful condition that affects the outside of your elbow.
It's caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in your forearm that attach to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow (the lateral epicondyle). This overuse can lead to inflammation and tiny tears in the tendons.
When is Surgery Necessary?
Surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments have failed to provide relief after 6-12 months.
Surgical Procedure
The most common surgical procedure for tennis elbow is called a lateral epicondylitis release. It's typically performed on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia.
- Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision on the outside of your elbow.
- Release of the Tendon: The surgeon carefully releases the inflamed tendons from the bony bump on the elbow.
- Removal of Damaged Tissue: Any damaged or scarred tissue within the tendons is removed.
- Closure: The incision is then closed with stitches.
Recovery
- Immobilization: Your elbow may be immobilized with a splint or brace for a short period.
- Physical Therapy: You'll begin physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in your elbow.
- Return to Activity: A gradual return to normal activities and sports is typically recommended over several months.
Important Considerations
- Success Rates: Both repair and reconstruction can be successful in restoring stability to the knee.
- Risks: As with any surgery, there are potential risks, such as infection, nerve damage, and stiffness.
Re-rupture: There is a small risk of the repaired or reconstructed ligament re-rupturing.