While techniques vary, the main objective of tennis elbow surgery is to remove damaged muscle and tendon tissue from the lateral epicondyle bone, then reattach it to healthy surrounding tissue. The success rate for full symptom relief following tennis elbow surgery is 80 to 90%.
In this manner, how long is recovery from elbow surgery?
You may need about 6 to 8 weeks to recover. You may have to limit your activity until your elbow strength and movement are back to normal. You may also be in a physical rehabilitation (rehab) program.
Likewise, do you wear a cast after tennis elbow surgery?
After surgery, you’ll need to wear a splint or sling on the elbow for about a week. This device will keep your arm still so you don’t injure it. Your elbow might feel sore for a few weeks. You can put ice on it to bring down swelling and take pain relievers to ease any discomfort you feel.
When should you have surgery for tennis elbow?
Surgery is usually done when there are large tears in the tendon from a sudden (acute) injury or if there is other severe damage to the elbow. Your doctor might recommend surgery if: You have elbow pain after more than 6 to 12 months of tendon rest and rehabilitation.
How do you know when tennis elbow is healed?
You will probably feel better in a few weeks, but it may take 6 to 12 months for the tendon to heal. In some cases, the pain lasts for 2 years or longer. If your symptoms don’t improve after 6 to 8 weeks of home treatment, your doctor may suggest a shot of corticosteroid.
How difficult is elbow surgery?
Elbow surgery can be challenging, not only because the elbow is relatively small and complex, but also because patients need long-lasting, durable treatments. Surgical options are considered only when medications and other measures don’t relieve severe joint pain and loss of motion.