Elbow pain that refuses to go away can affect everything from work to sleep. If you’ve lived with chronic discomfort for months, everyday movements like lifting a coffee mug or turning a doorknob might feel like a challenge. When conservative care doesn’t work, it’s time to explore tennis elbow surgical options.
The orthopedic surgeons at Michigan Orthopedic Center offer several procedures to treat severe or long-standing tennis elbow. These techniques target the root cause of the pain and are designed to restore function when other treatments fail.
When Elbow Pain Requires Surgery
Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons on the outside of the elbow become inflamed or degenerated from overuse. Despite the name, this condition doesn’t just affect tennis players. It often develops in people who perform repetitive arm and wrist motions, such as mechanics, carpenters, or computer users.
Most cases improve with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory treatments. But what happens when pain lasts more than six months, interferes with work or daily activities, and doesn’t respond to conservative care?
In those cases, it may be time to consider surgery. Our team uses imaging studies and a thorough physical exam to determine if your tendon damage is severe enough to benefit from surgical repair. We can also help you understand which specific surgery will work best for you.
Three Surgical Approaches for Addressing Tennis Elbow
1. Open Release Surgery
Open release surgery is one of the most established tennis elbow surgical options. During this procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision near the elbow and removes the damaged portion of the tendon. The healthy tendon is then released or reattached to relieve strain on the joint.
This method allows for direct visualization of the tissue and is often chosen when imaging shows significant damage. Open release is typically done on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia, and recovery involves a gradual return to movement guided by a specialist.
2. Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive option that uses a tiny camera and specialized tools inserted through small incisions. This technique allows the surgeon to precisely locate and remove damaged tendon tissue while preserving nearby structures.
Because it involves less trauma to surrounding tissue, arthroscopy may lead to faster healing and less post-operative pain. It has become increasingly popular among patients and providers seeking modern tennis elbow surgical options with strong outcomes and low complication rates.
3. Tendon Repair
In more advanced cases of tennis elbow, where the tendon has torn or become structurally weak, tendon repair may be necessary. This procedure involves reattaching the tendon to the bone or reinforcing it using sutures or grafts.
We might recommend tendon repair for people who have had symptoms for many months or those with tendon degeneration. While it may involve a longer recovery time, this option offers a durable solution that restores elbow strength and function for the long term.
Which Tennis Elbow Surgical Option Is Right for You?
Here are some of the questions that can help the Michigan Orthopedic Center team choose the most effective surgery for your needs:
- How long have you had symptoms?
- What does the condition of the tendon look like, based on imaging?
- What is your daily activity level?
- What tasks do you need to perform?
- Have you tried non-surgical options? What were the results?
Some patients benefit most from open release, while others may respond better to arthroscopy or tendon repair. A careful exam by one of our orthopedic surgeons ensures that the surgical plan matches your condition and goals.
Let Michigan Orthopedic Center Help You Find Relief from Elbow Pain
If chronic elbow pain is limiting your daily life, our team is here to help. Our orthopedic specialists offer advanced diagnostics and customized treatment plans, including non-surgical care and proven surgical procedures.
Don’t wait any longer to get the relief you deserve. Contact our clinic today to schedule a personalized evaluation and learn which approach will help you recover confidently.
