Introduction
The majority of patients get better with non-surgical treatment. When symptoms are not improved with non-surgical measures after 6-12 months, then surgery is recommended.
The aim of surgery is to cut out the degenerated / abnormal portion of the tendon, and to repair it back onto healthy bleeding bone to promote healing.
Surgery may be Open or Arthroscopic. Both types are effective and long-term outcomes are similar.
Procedure
This is a day surgery procedure. It is performed under general anaesthesia.
It may be performed using open incisions (approx. 3-4cm) or arthroscopically using tiny keyhole incision.
The operation involves a number of steps:
- Identification and excision of degenerative / abnormal tendon.
- Preparation of bleeding bone bed on lateral epicondyle.<
- Reattachment of tendon.
Recovery
- Day surgery procedure.
- Drive within 2 weeks.
- Return to office work within 2 weeks.
- Return to Manual work 4-6 weeks.
- Return to Sport approximately 3 months.
Results
Satisfaction rates after surgery are around 80-90%.
Risks and Complications
These include:
- Elbow Instability – this may be caused by inadvertent damage to the ligament.
- Stiffness.
- Nerve injury.
- Infection.