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Elbow Surgery
Our surgeons manage painful elbow conditions such as tennis elbow, bursitis, advanced arthritis, stiff elbow, and muscle and tendon ruptures. We also manage single and recurring dislocations of the elbow and fractures, which vary from being very simple to very complex. We treat nerve injuries or compressions around the elbow, bone and joint infections, congenital elbow problems, contractures around the elbow, sports and work-related elbow problems, and complex reconstructive problems of the elbow. Our group also performs complex arthroscopic elbow surgery.
Conditions
Elbow Arthritis
Elbow Arthritis
Arthritis describes a loss of cartilage from a joint resulting in pain, loss of range of motion, and mechanical symptoms such as locking and catching. Arthritis in the elbow may be caused by osteochondritis dissecans, prior injuries (fractures or dislocations), inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis) or age related degeneration.
Nerve Compression Conditions (eg: Cubital tunnel syndrome)
Nerve Compression Conditions (eg: Cubital tunnel syndrome)
The nerves that supply the sensation and movement to the hand run past the elbow. This region can be the site of compression or irritation to these nerves.
The most common nerve to be affected at the elbow is the ulna nerve. The nerve is compressed as it passes through a space called the Cubital Tunnel. Compression of the nerve causes pins-and-needles, numbness, discomfort, or pain in the little and ring fingers, and weakness of the small muscles in the hand. These symptoms are called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.
Having your elbow bent for periods of time will often provoke symptoms.
Elbow Instability
Elbow Instability
Injuries that cause ligament damage or a dislocation of the elbow can result in ongoing instability of the elbow. Instability may present as pain, weakness, untrustworthiness, or recurrent dislocations.
Tendon Injuries and Tendonitis
Tendon Injuries and Tendonitis
Tendons attach muscle to bone and may become injured or inflamed (tendonitis). Tendon injuries (tears) typically occur following a single excessive force, or occasionally from repetitive use.
Injuries to the insertion of the biceps at the elbow are common and result in pain and reduced power of forearm rotation. Such injury typically requires early surgical repair. Injuries to the triceps tendon or other tendons around the elbow are far less common.
Tendonitis (or epicondylitis), also known as a “Tennis elbow” or “Golfer’s Elbow”, are painful conditions that result from a combination of injury, repetitive use, and age related degeneration. Symptoms are felt where the the muscles that move the wrist attach to the bone at the elbow.
The symptoms can range from mild and short-lived, to disabling and long standing, and are typically treated with non-operative techniques.
Elbow Procedures
- Elbow Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy describes the use of a camera and specialist tools to work inside a joint. This is done through small “key-hole” incisions in the skin and around the elbow. Arthroscopy can be used to assess and treat cartilage damage such as Osteochondritis Dissecans, remove loose bodies, and may be an adjunct to fracture management or elbow stabilisation procedures.
- Surgery for Epicondylitis
An epicondyle is the site of a muscle origin, and at the elbow the origins of muscles that flex and extend the wrist can become inflamed. Surgery to detach the tendon, remove damaged tissue (debridement), and re-fix the tendon to bone may relieve symptoms that have not responded to non-operative treatment.
- Cubital Tunnel Release (Nerve Decompression Surgeries)
Cubital tunnel release is performed to relieve pressure from the ulna neve, where the tissue forming the cubital tunnel is surgically divided so the nerve is no longer compressed.
Sometimes the nerve may sublux over the bone following release and will need to be redirected from behind the elbow to in front (transposed) to avoid symptoms.
Rarely the Radial or Median nerve may be compressed at the elbow and require a similar release.
- Tendon Repair
Tendon repair surgery involves reattaching the torn tendon to bone. Typically anchors, sutures, or a button are use to hold the repair in place. In long standing or more complex tendon tears, a tendon graft (tissue taken from one site and implanted into another) or synthetic substitute may be needed to replace or support the tendon repair.
Recovery from tendon repair typically takes 4-6 months, with an emphasis on strengthening exercises and gradual strengthening to restore function.
- Ligament Repair or Reconstruction
Elbow instability is a common result of elbow dislocation, often seen in throwing athletes and following trauma. It may cause elbow pain or cause the elbow to feel untrustworthy during sports or other activity. This may be managed with bracing or splinting, but if these conservative treatments fail, surgery to repair or replace the ligament with a tendon graft (tissue taken from one site and implanted into another) or synthetic substitute may be necessary.
- Elbow Replacment (Arthroplasty)
Techniques for management of elbow arthritis vary, reflecting the complex articulations that make up the elbow joint. Elbow replacement surgery may replace one part (such as the radial head) of all parts of the joint (total elbow replacement). The aim of elbow replacement surgery is to relieve pain, provide stability, and maintain elbow movement.
Elbow Surgery Specialists
Jonathan Spencer
Bachelor of Science in Anatomy (Honours)
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (England)
Fellowship of Royal College of Surgeons (Trauma and Orthopaedics) (England)
Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (Orthopaedics)
Fellow of the Australian Orthopaedic Association
- Shoulder Surgery
- Elbow Surgery
- Knee Surgery
