Tennis & Golfers Elbow Surgery
Types of Surgery
There are different options of surgery which will be discussed with you and the best option used.
- Open surgery
Open Surgery is usually performed as a day case surgery. The most common approach to tennis elbow repair is open surgery. This involves making an incision over the elbow and removing the degenerate tendon ends. The bone is then freshened and multiple punctures made in the condyle to allow healing. The surgeon then inserts an anchor to repair the tendon ends. The muscle and fascia is closed and then the skin is closed with absorbable sutures. The wound is covered with a dressing and a bandage applied. The arm is rested in the sling. - Arthroscopic surgery
Tennis elbow surgery can be performed using key holes and tiny instruments. Like open surgery, this is a day case procedure, carried out under general anaesthesia. This allows the surgeon to undertake examination of the rest of the elbow joint to see for any other pathologies.
Questions that are often asked
Is the surgery necessary?
If your symptoms do not respond after 12 –18 months of non-surgical treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Before Admission
- No food for 6 hours, or drink for 2 hours, prior to surgery.
- Please avoid smoking for 12 hours prior to surgery.
- Please continue to take all your medication as advised by the preassessment team.
What happens on the day of surgery?
You will need to report to the main reception on arrival. You will be shown to your room where you will be checked in by the nurse and also see Prof. Singh and the anaesthetist. This will give you chance to ask any questions before surgery. You will also be given an approximate time of your procedure.
Please read the instructions on Preparing for Surgery.
What are the possible complications?
- Scar
You will have a 4 – 5 cm scar on the side of the elbow. This area can be firm to touch and tender for 2-3 months. This can be helped by massaging the area with moisturizing cream once the wound has healed. - Infection
Can occur after any operation. This would be treated with antibiotics. This is uncommon following surgery for tennis elbow. - Nerve Damage
The nerves running around the elbow can be damaged during the surgery. This is rare after tennis elbow surgery. - Bleeding
Can cause a collection of blood under the stitches which can cause wound problems. Tell the surgeon if you are on anticoagulants or aspirin. - CRPS/Stiffness
About 5% (1 in 20) of people are sensitive to surgery and their hand and whole arm may become swollen, painful and stiff after any operation. This problem cannot be predicted but will be watched for afterwards and treated with therapy. - Continued symptoms
Some patients may have on going symptoms even after surgery and may need further investigations. - Recurrence
Recurrence is generally not a problem.
What kind of anaesthesia is used?
The operation is most commonly performed under General Anaesthesia i.e you will be put to sleep. At the end of the surgery I put local anaesthetic around the wound which gives good pain relief. The procedure can also be performed with awake anaesthesia – please discuss with your surgeon if you wish to consider.
How long will I be in the hospital?
The surgery is done as a day case and should go home within a few hours.
After Hospital Care
- Sling
After your surgery, you will be fitted with a high arm sling, which is to be used for 48–72 hours. - Medication
The local anaesthetic lasts between 4 to 8 hours. Patients are encouraged to start taking painkillers before the pain starts i.e. on return home and for at least 48 hours. - Wound Care & Removal of Stitches
At the end of the surgery you have dissolvable sutures to close the skin which are tied over the skin. The sutures will need to be removed at 14 days after surgery which can be performed at your GP practice or nurse at the hospital or by the therapist. - Follow-up Orthopaedic Clinic
You will need to be reviewed in clinic after your operation, usually 2-4 weeks after surgery. To book an appointment please contact my secretary. - Physical Therapy
At the time of your surgery you will be referred to a therapist who will help your recovery. - Return to Work
– Managerial or Supervisory: 2– 3 weeks
– Light Manual: 4 – 6 weeks (e.g. clerical, secretarial)
– Heavy Manual: 6 – 10 weeks (ground worker, HGV)
Please discuss with your consultant/therapist if you have any queries. - Driving
You may be able to drive once the pain is under control. Please let your Motor Insurance Company aware of your procedure.