Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) can be one of the more frustrating conditions that patients come to see me for. It is the most common cause of lateral elbow pain and can lead to significant disability. Luckily, a vast majority of cases do improve without surgery within 3-4 months with rest, bracing, and stretching.
What can be done if the pain does not improve with the common treatment of rest, stretching, and bracing?
If the pain persists greater than 6 months, I generally offer elbow arthroscopy. This quick, outpatient surgery takes approximately 30 minutes and involves making two small skin incisions (approximately 1cm) around the elbow and using a camera and small instruments to remove the damaged portion of the tendon that is causing pain.
Most patients see very good results and have significant improvement in their pain and return of function within 4-6 weeks from surgery.
To learn more, you can schedule a consultation with me here or always feel free to contact the office with questions.
I am very happy to announce that I have been selected as a candidate member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons is a society made up of the leading national and international shoulder and elbow surgeons. As the premier organization of shoulder an elbow surgeons, it strives to serve patients and further research and education concerning shoulder and elbow issues. I couldn’t be happier and honored. Thank you #ASES.
I will be introducing guests posts from upper extremity experts that I know and trust, discussing all things involving upper extremity injuries and treatment. As many of my patients also suffer from issues regarding the hand and wrist, I believe that this will be a great resource for patients going forward. Stay tuned!
Hello all. With moving practice to The Everett Clinic, I have had a busy winter. I am back now in full force and will be starting a new series answering Frequently Asked Questions that I hear often from patients. Also, please message me below if any of you have specific questions that you would like answered. I am excited to get started. More to follow and have a great weekend.
Andrew
I had the opportunity to speak at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Annual Meeting last week in New Orleans. My talk on virtual reality to curb opioid abuse highlighted how this novel technique can be used to treat patients for postoperative pain and chronic pain...
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