Golfers Elbow Injury Surgery

Golfer’s elbow is a condition that occurs on the outside of the elbow. It is the result of general wear and tear of the tendons, bones, and muscles located inside the elbow and forearm and can cause pain or tenderness in the inner elbow, inner forearm, or weakness in your hands and wrists. Despite its name, golfer’s elbow can develop in any activity that requires gripping movements.

At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our highly-trained, expert specialists can help you achieve the relief you deserve with golfer’s elbow injury surgery. This procedure is designed to remove the source of the pain, the damaged tendon, and reattach a healthy tendon in its place. Our team will work alongside you at every step of your surgery and help you to develop a personalized treatment and recovery plan that works for you.

If nonsurgical treatments are not improving your golfer’s elbow injury, schedule your first consultation with the team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists today to discuss whether golfer’s elbow injury surgery is right for you. If you’re in an emergency situation, visit the Immediate Care Clinic at our Schaumburg, IL location.

What Is Golfer’s Elbow Injury Surgery?

Medial epicondyle release surgery is what doctors often use to treat golfer’s elbow. This condition can be very painful. The goal of the surgery is to remove the damaged tendon that’s causing pain. The doctor then reattaches a healthy tendon in its place.

Doctors can usually treat golfer’s elbow with non-surgical options, such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone shots and rest. If the pain doesn’t go away with these treatments, then your doctor may recommend surgery.

There are several approaches to medial epicondyle release surgery. These include open and arthroscopic surgeries, which your doctor does through small cuts in your skin. Most surgeons do this operation on an outpatient basis. You can begin recovering at home the same day that you have the procedure.

Your doctor makes a small incision on the side of your elbow. They move the soft tissues to get a better view of the tendon. The doctor cuts this tendon to remove the damaged and inflamed portion. The surgeon also removes any scar tissue or other debris that can cause inflammation. They secure the healthy tendon back into place using stitches.

The surgeon closes the incision with stitches and applies a bandage. They’ll put your arm in a soft cast to keep it still. This gives the tendon a chance to heal.

You need to limit your movements during the first week of recovery. At a follow-up appointment in about 10 days, the doctor can remove the stitches and check your progress. You may get a referral to physical therapy. You can work on strengthening your elbow and learn to return to normal activities. You need therapy for two to three months. It can take up to six months to get back to sports.