Our Summary

This research study looked at how well patients can sense the position and movement of their elbow after having arthroscopic surgery due to chronic lateral epicondylitis, a condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow often known as “tennis elbow”. The researchers developed a new method to accurately measure this sense, known as proprioception.

The study involved 15 people who had elbow surgery two years prior, and 15 healthy individuals as a control group. They were all tested on their ability to sense the position of their elbow joint. The researchers made sure to remove any possible influences from individual interaction or visual input to get the most accurate measurements.

The results showed that there was no significant difference between the surgery patients and the healthy individuals in their ability to sense their elbow position, except at one specific elbow angle (120° of flexion). At this angle, the surgery patients showed a higher deviation from the target angle than the healthy individuals.

The researchers concluded that their new method of measuring elbow proprioception is accurate and reliable. The results suggest that this method could help improve the accuracy of future elbow surgeries and aid in recovery.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the new method developed by the researchers in the study?
  2. Did the study find any difference in the ability to sense elbow position between those who had elbow surgery and those who didn’t?
  3. How can the new method of measuring elbow proprioception potentially improve future elbow surgeries and aid in recovery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about elbow surgery is to follow the post-operative rehabilitation plan provided by your healthcare team. This may include exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and proprioception in the elbow joint. It’s important to commit to your rehabilitation program to optimize your recovery and return to full function. Additionally, communicate any concerns or changes in your symptoms to your healthcare provider to ensure proper healing and recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended elbow surgery include those with chronic lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) that has not responded to conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and medication. Surgery may be recommended if the pain and limited range of motion in the elbow significantly impact the patient’s daily activities and quality of life. Additionally, patients with elbow fractures, dislocations, ligament tears, or other severe injuries may also be candidates for elbow surgery.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after elbow surgery may look like this:

Before surgery:

  1. Patient experiences chronic lateral epicondylitis, leading to pain and reduced function in the elbow.
  2. Patient consults with a healthcare provider who recommends arthroscopic surgery as a treatment option.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and preparations for the surgery.
  4. Surgery is performed to address the underlying issue in the elbow.

After surgery:

  1. Patient goes through post-operative recovery, including pain management and physical therapy.
  2. Patient gradually starts regaining strength and range of motion in the elbow.
  3. Patient may experience changes in proprioception, or the ability to sense the position and movement of their elbow joint.
  4. Patient undergoes follow-up assessments to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
  5. Patient eventually reaches a point of improved function and reduced pain in the elbow, leading to a better quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about elbow surgery in relation to this study:

  1. How will elbow surgery for chronic lateral epicondylitis affect my ability to sense the position and movement of my elbow joint?
  2. Will I need any specific post-operative rehabilitation or physical therapy to improve my proprioception after surgery?
  3. How long will it take for me to regain full proprioception in my elbow after surgery?
  4. Are there any specific exercises or activities I should avoid to prevent any negative impact on my elbow proprioception post-surgery?
  5. How will the accuracy of my elbow proprioception affect my overall recovery and long-term outcomes following surgery?
  6. Will the surgical technique used in my procedure have any impact on my elbow proprioception compared to other methods?
  7. What can I do to help improve my proprioception in my elbow joint during the recovery process?
  8. Are there any specific warning signs or symptoms I should watch out for that may indicate a decrease in elbow proprioception post-surgery?
  9. How often should I follow up with my doctor to monitor my elbow proprioception and overall progress after surgery?
  10. Can this new method of measuring elbow proprioception be used to personalize my post-operative care and improve my outcomes?

Reference

Authors: Unal M, Budeyri A, Ercan S, Serbest O, Dogan O, Demir HM, Cetin C. Journal: Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2019 Apr;105(2):329-334. doi: 10.1016/j.otsr.2018.10.009. Epub 2019 Feb 14. PMID: 30773342