Tennis Elbow Surgery

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, happens when the tendons attached to the outer part of your elbow are overused or strained repeatedly. This can cause pain, inflammation, and tenderness. It is common in people who often perform repetitive movements of the forearm, such as playing tennis, gardening, typing, painting, or playing musical instruments. An injury or trauma to the elbow can also contribute to the condition.

Tennis elbow can cause significant discomfort and make everyday activities more difficult, but it is a treatable condition.

The most common symptom of tennis elbow is pain on the outer side of your elbow. This pain may also spread to your forearm and wrist. You may notice:

• A weak grip
• Discomfort when bending your wrist backward

If left untreated, these symptoms may worsen and interfere with daily life.

Your consultant will diagnose tennis elbow by reviewing your medical history and carrying out a physical examination. In some cases, you may need an X-ray or MRI scan to rule out other conditions or assess the severity of tendon damage.

What is lateral epicondyle release surgery?

Tennis elbow surgery, also know at lateral epicondyle release surgery is a procedure used to treat tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) when more conservative treatments have failed.

Lateral epicondyle release surgery involves removing the damaged part of the tendon and reattaching the healthy tissue to the bone. This surgery aims to take tension off the extensor tendon to promote healing and relieve pain.

When is lateral epicondyle surgery release recommended?

If conservative treatments such as rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy, splinting, and steroid injections do not relieve symptoms after 6 to 12 months, lateral epicondyle release surgery may be an option. This procedure is required in approximately 10% of patients with persistent symptoms.

What does the procedure involve?

When you arrive at the hospital, you will meet a nurse, the anaesthetist and your surgeon.

Types of surgery

There are two main types of surgery for tennis elbow:

• Open surgery: The surgeon makes a small cut near your elbow to access and remove the damaged tissue.
• Endoscopic (keyhole) surgery: This minimally invasive procedure uses smaller incisions and a tiny camera to guide the surgeon. Recovery is usually quicker, and scarring is less noticeable compared to open surgery.

Both procedures are typically done under general or regional anaesthesia and are often completed as day surgery, meaning you can go home the same day.

What are the potential risks and complications?

As with any surgery, there are some risks, including:

• Infection at the surgical site
• Nerve damage, which may cause numbness or weakness in your forearm or hand
• Continued pain or failure to relieve symptoms, which might require further treatment
• Recurrence of symptoms

Your surgeon will explain these risks in detail and ensure you are fully informed before proceeding with surgery.

After the procedure

Recovery times vary, but most people can return to light activities within a few weeks. Your surgeon will provide a personalised physiotherapy plan to help you regain strength and flexibility in your elbow.

Tennis elbow surgery is generally very successful, and most people experience significant pain relief and improved elbow function. Many patients fully recover and return to normal activities, including sports, within 3 to 6 months, depending on the extent of the surgery and your overall health.