Our Summary

This research paper discusses the issue of elbow injuries, particularly in athletes who participate in sports that involve overhead movements. It notes that these types of injuries are on the rise, especially among young people. The aim of surgery for these injuries is to repair and restore stability to the ligaments, tissues, and bones in the elbow. However, evaluating the success of these surgeries using MRI scans can be challenging due to the variety of surgical techniques used. Furthermore, many complications are identified through clinical diagnosis and may be fixed with additional surgery without using imaging. The paper reviews common surgical techniques for treating specific elbow injuries and discusses the findings and complications that can be seen in post-surgery MRIs.

FAQs

  1. What is the goal of surgical management for elbow injuries?
  2. Why is postoperative MR imaging evaluation difficult after elbow surgery?
  3. What are some commonly performed surgical techniques for elbow injuries?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing elbow surgery to diligently follow the postoperative rehabilitation plan provided by their healthcare team. This may include physical therapy exercises to improve range of motion and strength in the elbow, as well as instructions on how to properly care for the surgical incision to prevent infection. It is important for the patient to communicate any unusual symptoms or concerns to their healthcare provider promptly to ensure optimal healing and recovery after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for elbow surgery include those with:

  1. Elbow instability: This can be caused by ligamentous injuries, fractures, or dislocations, and may require surgical intervention to restore stability.

  2. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): If conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections are not effective, surgery may be recommended to repair the damaged tendons.

  3. Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis): Similar to tennis elbow, surgery may be necessary if conservative treatments fail to improve symptoms.

  4. Elbow fractures: Severe fractures that cannot be adequately treated with casting or splinting may require surgery to realign and stabilize the bones.

  5. Elbow arthritis: In cases of severe arthritis that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgical options such as joint replacement or arthroscopic debridement may be recommended.

  6. Elbow tendon tears: Tears in the biceps or triceps tendons may require surgical repair to restore function and alleviate pain.

  7. Elbow nerve compression: Conditions such as cubital tunnel syndrome or radial tunnel syndrome may require surgical decompression to relieve pressure on the affected nerves.

Overall, the decision to recommend elbow surgery is based on the specific condition, severity of symptoms, and the patient’s overall health and treatment goals. A thorough evaluation by a qualified orthopedic surgeon is necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual patient.

Timeline

  • Before surgery:
  1. Patient experiences pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the elbow.
  2. Patient undergoes a physical examination and imaging tests to determine the extent of the injury.
  3. Orthopedic surgeon recommends surgery as the best treatment option for the elbow injury.
  • After surgery:
  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to repair the damaged ligaments, tendons, or bones in the elbow.
  2. Patient is placed in a splint or brace to immobilize the elbow and promote healing.
  3. Patient undergoes physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the elbow.
  4. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in the elbow post-surgery.
  5. Patient follows a rehabilitation plan to gradually return to normal activities and sports.
  6. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with the orthopedic surgeon to monitor the healing process and address any complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of elbow surgery do you recommend for my specific injury?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and physical therapy?
  4. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the surgery?
  5. What are the success rates of this surgery for patients with similar injuries?
  6. How soon can I return to normal activities, including sports or physical exercise?
  7. Are there any specific precautions or restrictions I should follow after the surgery?
  8. What follow-up appointments or imaging tests will be necessary after the surgery?
  9. How will you monitor for any potential postoperative complications?
  10. Are there alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?

Reference

Authors: Lo L, Ashimolowo T, Beltran LS. Journal: Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2022 Nov;30(4):629-643. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2022.02.001. Epub 2022 Sep 15. PMID: 36243509