What is elbow epicondylitis?
Elbow epicondylitis is a term used to describe inflammation and injury to a tendon in the elbow. This is more commonly referred to as Golfer’s Elbow (medial epicondylitis) and Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis). Golf and tennis are both examples of sports that require frequent, repetitive motions of the elbow that over time can lead to excess stress and injury to the tendons. Severe forms of epicondylitis can result in inflammation and tears of the tendons of the elbow, which occasionally require a surgical treatment known as elbow epicondylitis repair. Dr. Joseph Lamplot, orthopedic elbow surgeon, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who have tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow and who may need elbow epicondylitis repair surgery.
Why would I need an elbow epicondylitis repair?
Elbow epicondylitis ranges in severity from mild to severe. Often, with mild and moderate injuries and tissue inflammation, conservative treatment options such as rest, ice, bracing, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and occasionally injections are preferred. Many patients will experience success and pain relief from these forms of treatment. However, if the patient’s elbow epicondylitis is severe, resulting from a torn tendon, or fails to be alleviated by conservative treatment options, elbow epicondylitis repair may be recommended to surgically fix the injury.
How is elbow epicondylitis repair done?
Before surgery, the patient will undergo an MRI scan to allow Dr. Lamplot to determine exactly which areas of the elbow have been injured, as well as the extent of the injuries. Elbow epicondylitis repair is performed through a mini-open elbow surgery, using a small incision. The mini-open elbow technique for elbow epicondylitis repair involves creating a small incision to expose the elbow injury to perform the repair. During surgery, Dr. Lamplot will initially remove any scar tissue, bone spurs, or other abnormal tissue that is causing pain and swelling. He will then reattach the patient’s tendon to the proper location in the elbow using a surgical anchor with strong surgical sutures.
How long does it take to recover from elbow epicondylitis repair surgery?
The overall timeline for recovery from elbow epicondylitis repair will vary based on several factors including the extent of the patient’s initial injury and compliance with post-operative protocols. Typically, the patient will be required to wear an elbow brace for 1 to 2 weeks. This will allow the elbow to begin to heal properly. After about 6 weeks, the patient will begin physical therapy including strength and flexibility exercises. Most patients can expect to achieve full recovery approximately 5-6 months after their surgery. Dr. Lamplot will provide a more specific timeline for recovery that is individually tailored to the patient and their injury.
