|
What is
Release Lateral Epicondyle?
A lateral epicondyle release is a common
surgery for tennis elbow.
Back to Top
Effects
of Release Lateral Epicondyle
Surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis
has generated positive results, with roughly
85% of patients reporting total pain relief.
Back to Top
Candidates
for Release Lateral Epicondyle
If conventional treatment is not successful
in alleviating pain or helping patients
regain use of the elbow, surgery may be
needed.
Back to Top
Your
Consultation
Initially, the doctor will obtain a thorough
medical history. You will need to answer
questions concerning your pain, how your
pain affects you, your regular activities,
and previous injuries to your elbow. The
physical exam is usually the most helpful in
diagnosing tennis elbow. Your doctor may
position your wrist and arm so you feel a
stretch on the forearm muscles and tendons.
This is typically painful with tennis elbow.
There are also other tests for wrist and
forearm strength that can be used to detect
tennis elbow. You may be required to get
x-rays of your elbow and these can help your
doctor rule out other problems with the
elbow joint. Also, the x-ray may show if
there are calcium deposits on the lateral
epicondyle at the connection of the extensor
tendon.
Back to Top
The Release Lateral Epicondyle
Procedure
This surgery is generally done as an
outpatient, with the use of either general
or regional anesthesia. Also, an axillary
block may be necessary to numb the arm prior
to surgery on the elbow.
This surgery takes tension off the extensor tendon. The
surgeon starts by making an incision along the arm over the
lateral epicondyle. Then soft tissues are carefully moved to
one side so the surgeon can see the point where the extensor
tendon connects to the lateral epicondyle. After that, the
extensor tendon is cut where it links to the lateral
epicondyle. The surgeon separates the tendon and removes any
excess scar tissue. Also, any bone spurs seen on the lateral
epicondyle are removed. There are some doctors that suture
the loose end of the tendon to the nearby fascia tissue.
(Fascia tissue covers the muscles and organs throughout your
body.) Finally, the skin is stitched together.
Back to Top
Recovery
In cases where the tendon is inflamed,
conservative treatment is typically required
for about 3 to 4 weeks. But when symptoms
are from tendinosis, anticipate healing to
take longer for about 3 months. And if
tendinosis is severe, complete healing may
take about 6 months.
Rehabilitation though, takes much longer following surgery.
After surgery, your elbow is immediately placed in a
removable splint that keeps your elbow bent at a
ninety-degree angle. During the first few therapy sessions,
you may need ice and electrical stimulation treatments to
help manage pain and swelling from the surgery. Your
therapist may also apply massage and other kinds of hands-on
treatments to relieve muscle spasm and pain.
You may need therapy for 2 to 3 months. And it could take 4
to 6 months to get back to high-level sports and work
activities. Before your therapy sessions conclude, your
therapist will inform you several ways to prevent future
problems.
Back to Top
Risks
The major complications of lateral
epicondylitis surgery are weakness of wrist
extension and recurrence of symptoms. One of
the most troublesome complications of
aggressive surgical debridement is lateral
elbow instability. The proximity of the
lateral collateral ligaments and the annular
ligament makes them vulnerable to injury.
Additionally, the radial nerve is put at
risk when utilizing the arthroscopic
technique.
Back to Top
Frequently Asked
Questions
Q: What is lateral epicondylitis?
A:
Lateral epicondylitis, or ‘tennis elbow,’ is the pain and
discomfort related with inflammation at the extensor muscle
group origin at the lateral humeral condyle insertion,
primarily in the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB)
tendon.
Q: What causes lateral epicondylitis?
A:
Lateral epicondylitis
is not just restricted to tennis players. It is a fact that
the backhand swing in tennis can strain the muscles and
tendons of the elbow in such a way that leads to tennis
elbow. But various other kinds of repetitive activities can
also lead to tennis elbow, such as painting with a brush or
roller, running a chain saw, and using many forms of hand
tools. Activities that constantly stress the same forearm
muscles can produce symptoms of tennis elbow.
Q: What parts of the elbow are affected?
A:
Tennis elbow produces pain that sets off on the outside bump
of the elbow, the lateral epicondyle. The forearm muscles
that bend the wrist back (the extensors) connect on the
lateral epicondyle and are linked by a single tendon.
Tendons connect muscles to bone and are made up of strands
of a material called collagen. The collagen strands are
lined up in bundles adjacent to each other.
Q: What does tennis elbow feel like?
A:
The primary symptoms of tennis elbow are tenderness and pain
that begins at the lateral epicondyle of the elbow. The pain
may proliferate down the forearm and may go as far as the
back of the middle and ring fingers. The forearm muscles may
also become tight and sore. The pain typically gets worse
when you bend your wrist backward, turn your palm upward, or
hold something with a stiff wrist or straightened elbow.
Also, grasping items makes the pain worse. At times, the
elbow feels stiff and would not straighten out totally.
Back to Top |
