Our Summary

This research paper is about the treatment of tennis elbow, a common condition causing pain around the elbow. Most people get better with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy and medications. However, for a small group of patients who don’t respond to these treatments, surgery is available. This can be done through different methods such as open surgery, arthroscopic (using a tiny camera to see inside the elbow), or percutaneous (through a small puncture in the skin). According to the paper, these surgical methods are highly successful, with around 90% of patients expressing satisfaction with the results.

FAQs

  1. What is the success rate of surgery for tennis elbow?
  2. What are the different types of surgery available for tennis elbow?
  3. When is surgery considered for patients with tennis elbow?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about elbow surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including proper wound care, physical therapy exercises, and activity restrictions. This will help ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcomes.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for elbow surgery are those who have tried nonoperative approaches for conditions such as tennis elbow, but have not seen improvement in their symptoms. These patients may have persistent pain, limited range of motion, or difficulty performing daily activities due to their elbow condition. Surgery may be recommended as a last resort to address their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

Timeline

Before Elbow Surgery:

  1. Patient experiences persistent pain and limited range of motion in the elbow.
  2. Patient undergoes a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider, which may include imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI.
  3. Patient and healthcare provider discuss treatment options, including the possibility of surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes preoperative preparations, which may include blood tests, medication adjustments, and instructions on fasting before surgery.

After Elbow Surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which may involve repair of damaged tendons, removal of scar tissue, or other interventions.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room and may stay in the hospital overnight for observation.
  3. Patient begins a rehabilitation program to restore strength and range of motion in the elbow.
  4. Patient may experience pain and swelling in the days following surgery, which can be managed with medication and ice.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress and adjust the rehabilitation plan as needed.
  6. Over time, patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences improvement in elbow function and pain relief.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of elbow surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after the surgery?
  4. Will physical therapy be necessary after the surgery?
  5. How long will I need to take off work or avoid certain activities after the surgery?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of surgery?
  8. How successful is this type of surgery for treating tennis elbow?
  9. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and optimize my recovery?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or limitations I should be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Poehling GG. Journal: Arthroscopy. 2017 Jun;33(6):1269. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2017.02.020. PMID: 28578766