Our Summary

This research paper looks into the effectiveness of a specific type of surgery for treating severe cases of tennis elbow that haven’t responded to other treatments. The surgery, known as extracapsular arthroscopic surgery, was performed on 38 patients by the same team of doctors at the Institute of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital between March 2012 and January 2016.

The patients’ pain and elbow function were measured before and after the surgery using several standard scoring systems. The results showed that the surgery significantly reduced pain and improved elbow function. Two years after the surgery, there were no complications like infection or nerve injury reported. The vast majority (94.7%) of the patients had excellent results, while a small number (5.3%) had good results.

However, the study found that being female was linked to less favorable outcomes after the surgery. The researchers conclude that this type of surgery is generally effective for severe tennis elbow, with few complications, but that women may not fare as well as men.

FAQs

  1. What is extracapsular arthroscopic surgery and how does it help in treating severe cases of tennis elbow?
  2. What were the outcomes for the majority of the patients who underwent this type of surgery?
  3. Why did the study find that women may not fare as well as men after undergoing extracapsular arthroscopic surgery for severe tennis elbow?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about elbow surgery is to follow the post-operative care instructions closely, including attending physical therapy sessions as recommended. This will help ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcomes. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for elbow surgery are those who have severe cases of conditions such as tennis elbow that have not responded to other treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections. These patients may experience persistent pain, limited range of motion, and decreased function in the affected elbow. In some cases, surgery may be the best option to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine if surgery is the most appropriate course of action. Factors such as the severity of the condition, the patient’s overall health, and their ability to participate in rehabilitation post-surgery will all be taken into consideration when making a recommendation for surgery.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo elbow surgery should be made in collaboration with the patient’s healthcare team, weighing the potential benefits and risks of the procedure. It is also important for patients to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of surgery and to actively participate in their recovery and rehabilitation process to achieve the best results.

Timeline

Before the surgery:

  1. Patient experiences chronic pain and limited range of motion in the affected elbow.
  2. Patient may have tried other treatments such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or brace use without success.
  3. Patient consults with a doctor or orthopedic surgeon to discuss surgical options.
  4. Pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted to determine if the patient is a good candidate for surgery.

After the surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes extracapsular arthroscopic surgery to treat the tennis elbow.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the hospital for any post-operative complications.
  3. Patient begins physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the elbow.
  4. Patient follows a prescribed post-operative care plan, which may include restrictions on activities and exercises to aid in recovery.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  6. Patient experiences a reduction in pain and improvement in elbow function over time.
  7. Two years after the surgery, patient reports excellent or good results with minimal complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of this specific type of surgery for treating severe tennis elbow?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the recovery process like after the surgery?
  4. How long will it take for me to fully recover and return to normal activities?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for surgery?
  6. How many times have you performed this surgery, and what is your experience with it?
  7. Are there any specific factors (such as gender) that may affect the outcome of the surgery for me?
  8. What is the post-operative pain management plan?
  9. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  10. Are there any restrictions or limitations I should be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Yang YP, Yuan S, Li N, Ao YF. Journal: Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2019 Nov 1;57(11):818-823. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0529-5815.2019.11.005. PMID: 31694129