Tennis elbow release is surgery that removes the worn part of the tendon on the outer elbow and reattaches healthy tissue. Dr. Cole performs tennis elbow release in Memphis for the small number of cases where outer-elbow pain persists after many months of rest, therapy, bracing, and injections.
Jeff Cole performs tennis elbow release in Memphis when it is the right step, and reviews every alternative with you first.
What is Tennis Elbow Release?
Tennis elbow, known medically as lateral epicondylitis, is wear and small tearing in the tendons that attach to the bony bump on the outer elbow.
These tendons connect the muscles that straighten the wrist. The result is pain and tenderness that flare with gripping and lifting.
Most tennis elbow improves without surgery, but a small share of people still have pain after many months of consistent non-surgical care. Tennis elbow release treats those cases by removing the degenerated tendon tissue and reattaching healthy tendon to the bone.
The procedure is usually done as an outpatient. It is a last step, not a first one.
What happens during Tennis Elbow Release, step by step?
In open release, the surgeon makes a small incision over the outer elbow, removes the worn and torn part of the tendon, and reattaches healthy tissue to the bone.
Some surgeons use an arthroscopic technique, a small camera through tiny incisions, to remove the damaged tissue from inside the joint. Both approaches aim to replace the diseased tendon with healthy healing tissue. Your physician will explain which fits your elbow. The arm is usually protected briefly afterward.
What is recovery like after Tennis Elbow Release?
Recovery from tennis elbow release is gradual.
The elbow is often protected for a short period, followed by therapy to restore motion and then strength. Many people return to light activity within several weeks, with grip strength and full activity improving over roughly three to six months, according to general guidance from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. These are ranges, not promises. Because the surgery treats worn tendon, comfort continues to build well after the incision heals. Your physician and therapist will guide the timeline.
Read the full guide to preparing for surgery →
Your own recovery instructions come from the office and are specific to you. This page describes the general course, not a plan to follow.
What are the treatment options?
- 01Rest from the activities that trigger pain and short-term activity changesRest from the activities that trigger pain and short-term activity changes.
- 02A counterforce brace worn on the forearm to unload the tendonA counterforce brace worn on the forearm to unload the tendon.
- 03Hand and elbow therapy, especially gradual strengtheningHand and elbow therapy, especially gradual strengthening.
- 04Anti-inflammatory measures and, in some cases, an injectionAnti-inflammatory measures and, in some cases, an injection.
- 05Tennis elbow release is considered only when pain persists after many months of consistentTennis elbow release is considered only when pain persists after many months of consistent non-surgical care.
What do patients ask most?
Do most people with tennis elbow need surgery?+
What does the surgery actually do?+
How long is recovery?+
Will therapy still be needed after surgery?+
Fellowship trained at Washington University, Barnes-Jewish Hospital - St. Louis, MO (Surgery of the Hand & Upper Extremity). Sees patients in Memphis.
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