What happens after surgery? A bandage is applied. This may be changed to a lighter dressing after a few days. Any stitches will be removed at 10-14 days. You will be allowed to use your elbow normally at this point. Tennis Elbow (outside of the elbow) Golfers Elbow (inside of the elbow) Physiotherapy may be required. The physiotherapist will advise you on exercises. Muscle strengthening exercises are started at about three months. Tennis/Golfers Elbow Produced by The Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Limb Service What are the risks of surgery? The risks of surgery are rare but include infection, stiffness, and nerve injury. How Successful is Surgery? Surgery is successful in 70-80% of cases. When surgery does not relieve the pain, no further treatment has been shown to help. Sources of further patient information: www.lancsteachinghospitals.nhs.uk www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk www.patient.co.uk Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. Produced by The Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Limb Service Illustrations by M Briggs Medical Illustration Royal Preston Hospital Production date Review Date - What is Tennis/Golfers Elbow? These are conditions that affect the outside (tennis elbow) and inside (golfers elbow) of the elbow. Although they do occur in tennis players and golfers they are more common in nonsporting people. They are seen more often in middle-aged people and in males and females equally. How is Tennis/Golfers Elbow diagnosed? The doctor can usually make the diagnosis in clinic. Occasionally x-rays and other tests are needed. How is Tennis/Golfers Elbow treated? What causes Tennis/Golfers Elbow? The doctor will discuss the treatment options with you. The treatment options are: Tennis elbow and golfers elbow are due to inflammation at the site where the muscles of the forearm attach to the bone around the elbow. No one knows exactly what causes these conditions. They rarely affect people past the age of 65. Rest For mild cases a period of rest for 1 to 2 weeks will relieve the symptoms. This is often combined with an avoidance of repetitive handwork and other activities that make the symptoms worse. Splintage Also for mild cases, a special pressure pad may help. What are the symptoms of Tennis/ Golfers Elbow? The patient will experience pain and tenderness over either the outer side or inner side of the elbow. This may follow a period of activity and will get easier after a period of rest. In more severe cases the hand can feel weak and the grip less strong resulting in difficulty performing certain tasks. Physiotherapy In more severe cases a short course of physiotherapy followed by regular exercise, may help with pain relief. Injection Again for more severe cases injection of a local anaesthetic and small amount of steroid can help relieve the pain. Current evidence suggests that these injections provide excellent short-term pain relief but in the medium term, your pain may return. These injections can be repeated if they are of benefit. Occasionally, some of the steroid will leak into the skin resulting in an area of lightening in the skin, which can be permanent. Surgery Surgery is reserved for cases that recur or persist despite the other forms of treatment. What does surgery involve? Surgery involves freeing or releasing the inflamed area of the elbow. It can be performed under local anaesthetic, regional anaesthetic (block) or general anaesthetic. The surgeon will discuss this with you. Whichever type of anaesthetic you choose, the surgery can be performed as a day case.