Expert Elbow Tendonitis Surgery

Elbow tendinitis surgery is used to treat severe chronic and recurring damage and inflammation to the tendons and muscles of the elbow joint. Tendons are responsible for connecting your forearm muscles to the bones in your elbow. During surgery, damaged tissue is removed from the elbow and healthy tendons and muscles are reattached to the bone. 

At Dignity Health, orthopedic surgery is performed by a team of board-certified doctors who are highly skilled in the latest procedures and treatment options. If you need elbow tendonitis surgery in the Bay Area, Find a Doctor who can help you get back to your active life. For a doctor referral at Dignity Health, call (888) 981-7501 today.

Elbow Surgery For Tendonitis: Tennis Elbow Treatment & More

There are two major types of elbow tendonitis that are treated with surgery: golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) and tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). Both are overuse injuries caused by moving the tendon and muscle in the same way repeatedly.

Tendonitis usually heals with the use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines, ice, and rest. For recurring tendonitis, doctors sometimes inject corticosteroids into the inflamed area.

Elbow surgery is recommended for tendonitis that recurs, is severe, or does not get better with more conservative treatments after six to 12 months.

Your Elbow Tendonitis Surgery at Dignity Health

Elbow tendonitis surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon or a hand surgeon in a Dignity Health Bay Area hospital. Some people are candidates for elbow arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical approach. It usually involves less pain, a smaller incision, faster recovery, and lower risk of complications than traditional elbow surgery.

All surgery includes the risk of bleeding, reactions to anesthesia, infections, and blood clots. Possible risks and complications of elbow surgery include: 

• Blood vessel or nerve damage
• Elbow stiffness
• Pain that does not get better or returns

Recovering After Elbow Tendonitis Surgery

If you had inpatient elbow surgery for tendonitis, you may need to spend a few days recovering in a Dignity Health hospital. For outpatient surgeries, you will be able to go home the same day.

After surgery, you’ll need to wear an elbow splint for about a week to keep your elbow still as it heals. Full recovery can take several weeks to months depending on the extent of your surgery. Physical therapy will help you recover and learn ways to prevent future injuries. Strengthening your forearm muscles is key to preventing elbow tendonitis from returning.

Dignity Health is here to help you lead a healthier and more productive life. Talk to a specialist about your treatment options.