Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow

by Mr Ben Gooding

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow or ‘lateral epicondylitis’ is irritation, injury or wear and tear of the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It is a painful condition and can sometimes cause weakness and stiffness. It can be made worse by repetitive activities such as lifting or gripping.

The surgery usually consists of a cut about 5cm long on the outside of the elbow to access the tendon. The tendon is released and the damaged part cleared or removed to encourage healing. The operation does not create a new and perfect tendon but creates an environment for the tendon to heal. The healing process can take time (often months) before the full benefit is achieved. Many patients still have some discomfort in the longer term but can return to normal activities they were unable to perform before surgery. The overall success rate is between 80 and 90%. All surgery carries risk. The risks of this procedure include: Bleeding, Infection, Nerve damage, Stiffness, Failure. If you have been listed for surgery your surgeon will discuss the full risks and benefits with you in detail before your operation.

You will be discharged either the same day or the following day after surgery. The wound will have a dressing on and the elbow will be wrapped in a bandage. The bandage should be in place for a few days (you will be told how long) to minimise swelling and bruising. The arm may be numb for the first 24 hours or so if you have had a nerve block. If you have had stitches or clips, they will be removed at your GP’s surgery, usually 10 days after your operation. Sometimes dissolvable stitches are used and in this case you will require the wound to be checked at the GP surgery around 10 days after surgery. You will be given specific advise about dressings and the wounds by the hospital after your surgery.

Getting the arm moving early will give the best chance of a good recovery. The physiotherapists will give you advice about this. If the physiotherapists did not see you on the ward before you were discharged you will be directed to see the physiotherapist at the out-patient physiotherapy department. You will be given a follow up appointment for the Orthopaedic Clinic after your operation.

Will I have to wear a splint or sling? You will have your arm supported in a sling straight after your operation. This is to provide pain relief and protect the arm.

OUR HOSPITALS

For Patients:

Visit our patient Informationpages for shoulder and elbow conditions and surgery.

For GPs and clinicians:

Visit our GP infopages for treatment and referral guidance on common shoulder and elbow conditions.

Thank you for visiting

Mr Ben Gooding and Mr John Geoghegan.Consultant Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons.

OUR LOCATIONS

Spire Nottingham Hospital

The BMI Park Hospital

Elbow Conditions & Surgery