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Golfer’s Elbow Surgery in Houston, TX
What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is a condition associated with pain on the inside of the elbow where tendons of your forearm attach to the bony prominence (medial epicondyle). It is also called medial epicondylitis and is caused by injury or irritation to the tendons which can become painful and swollen.
Besides golf, activities such as baseball or lifting a heavy bag or suitcase may also cause medial epicondylitis, hence the terms “baseball elbow” and “suitcase elbow” are also used.
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Causes of Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow is an injury that can occur due to sports such as golf, tennis, basketball, archery etc. which can involve overuse of the arm and wrist.
Other causes include:
- Improper technique while weight lifting or throwing.
- Certain occupations such as carpentry, plumbing etc.
Smoking and obesity may increase the risk of injury.
Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
The symptoms of golfer’s elbow include:
- Pain on the inside of the elbow
- The stiffness of the elbow
- The weakness of the affected hand
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers
- Difficulty moving the hand
Diagnosis of Golfer’s Elbow
Your doctor will review your medical history and daily activities. A physical examination is performed where elbow movement and pain are assessed. An X-ray or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan may be ordered to visualize the elbow joint.
Treatment of Golfer’s Elbow
Non-surgical Methods
Golfer’s elbow can often be treated by conservative methods such as:
- Resting
- Application of moist heat to the region of pain
- Use of elbow wraps
- Mild massage to the painful area
- Stretching exercises
Surgery for Golfer’s Elbow
Surgical intervention is necessary if you do not respond to conservative methods after about 6 months. Open surgery is usually performed to treat golfer’s elbow although an arthroscopic technique may also be used.
Surgery involves the following steps:
- Local or general anesthesia is administered.
- An incision is made over the medial epicondyle.
- Your surgeon detaches the common origin for tendons attached to the medial epicondyle.
- Damaged and degenerated tendon tissue is removed without injuring the surrounding ligaments.
- Microfracture of the medial epicondyle is performed where numerous small holes are drilled into the bone to promote healing.
- The common origin for the tendons is then reattached to the bone and the incision closed.
Post-operative Measures
- Your arm is supported by a splint.
- Your surgeon suggests light exercises such as sponge squeezing for the first few weeks.
- You may begin resistance exercises after 6-8 weeks.
- You may begin participating in sports after 6-8 months.
Risks and Complications Associated with Surgery for Golfer’s Elbow
Surgery for golfer’s elbow may be associated with certain risks which include:
- Elbow ligament injuries
- Nerve injuries
- Hematoma
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a golfer's elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, causes pain on the inside of the elbow where the forearm tendons attach to the bony prominence (medial epicondyle). It’s caused by injury or irritation to these tendons and is also known as “baseball elbow” or “suitcase elbow.”
What causes a golfer's elbow?
It often results from sports like golf, tennis, basketball, and archery that overuse the arm and wrist, as well as improper weight-lifting or throwing technique and occupations such as carpentry and plumbing. Smoking and obesity may increase the risk.
What are the symptoms of golfer's elbow?
Symptoms include pain on the inside of the elbow, elbow stiffness, weakness in the affected hand, numbness or tingling in the fingers, and difficulty moving the hand.
Can golfer's elbow be treated without surgery?
Yes. Conservative methods are often effective and include rest, moist heat, elbow wraps, mild massage, and stretching exercises. Surgery is considered only if you don’t respond to these methods after about 6 months.
How is golfer's elbow surgery performed?
Golfer’s elbow is usually treated with open surgery, though an arthroscopic technique may be used. Under local or general anesthesia, Dr. Luo makes an incision over the medial epicondyle, removes damaged tendon tissue, performs a microfracture to promote healing, and reattaches the tendon origin to the bone.
What is recovery like after golfer's elbow surgery?
Your arm is supported by a splint, and you’ll begin light exercises like sponge squeezing in the first few weeks. Resistance exercises can typically start after 6 to 8 weeks, with a return to sports around 6 to 8 months. Possible risks include ligament injuries, nerve injuries, and hematoma.
Randy Y. Luo, MD, MBA
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Hand & Upper Extremity Specialist