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Tennis elbow surgery - discharge
Lateral epicondylitis surgery - discharge; Lateral tendinosis surgery - discharge; Lateral tennis elbow surgery - discharge
You have had surgery for tennis elbow . The surgeon made a cut (incision) over the injured tendon, then scraped away (excise) the unhealthy part of your tendon and repaired it.
Surgery for tennis elbow
Tennis elbow is caused by doing the same forceful arm movements over and over. It creates small, painful tears in the tendons in your elbow. This i...
At home, be sure to follow your surgeon's instructions on how to take care of your new elbow.
What to Expect
Soon after surgery, severe pain will decrease, but you may have mild soreness for 3 to 6 months.
Symptom Relief
Place an ice pack on the dressing (bandage) over your wound (incision) 4 to 6 times a day for about 20 minutes each time. Ice helps keep swelling down. Wrap the ice pack in a clean towel or cloth. DO NOT place it directly on the dressing.
Taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or other similar medicines may help. Ask your doctor about using them.
Your doctor may give you a prescription for pain medicines. Get it filled on your way home so you have it when you need it.
Wound Care
The first week after surgery you may have a thick bandage or a splint. You should begin moving your arm gently, as recommended by your surgeon.
After the first week, your bandage, splint, and stitches will be removed.
Keep your bandage and your wound clean and dry . Your surgeon will tell you when it is OK to change your dressing. Also change your dressing if it gets dirty or wet.
Clean and dry
Lateral epicondylitis surgery - discharge; Lateral tendinosis surgery - discharge; Lateral tennis elbow surgery - discharge
You will likely see your surgeon in about 1 week.
Activity and Exercise
You should start stretching exercises after the splint is removed to increase flexibility and range of motion. The surgeon may also refer you to see a physical therapist to work on stretching and strengthening your forearm muscles. This can begin after 3 to 4 weeks. Keep doing the exercises for as long as you are told. This helps ensure tennis elbow will not return.
You may be prescribed a wrist brace. If so, wear it to avoid extending your wrist and pulling on the repaired elbow tendon.
You should be able to return to normal activity and sports after 4 to 6 months.
When to Call the Doctor
After the operation, call the surgeon if you notice any of the following around your elbow:
- Swelling
- Severe or increased pain
- Changes in skin color around or below your elbow
- Numbness or tingling in your fingers or hand
- Your hand or fingers look darker than normal or are cool to the touch
- Other worrying symptoms, such as increase in pain, redness, or drainage
References
Adams JE, Steinmann SP. Elbow tendinopathies and tendon ruptures. In: Wolfe SW, Hotchkiss RN, Pederson WC, Kozin SH, Cohen MS, eds. Green's Operative Hand Surgery . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 25.
Wolf JM. Elbow tendinopathies and bursitis. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 65.
Review Date: 11/27/2016
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
