Elbow Surgery: When Is It Necessary?
Our bodies are intricately designed, and the elbow joint is no exception. It allows us to perform essential tasks such as reaching, lifting, and bending our arms. However, sometimes, due to injury or underlying conditions, the need for elbow surgery arises. CMC Orthopaedics is helping us explore the scenarios in which elbow surgery becomes a viable option and shed light on the factors that may influence your decision.
Common Elbow Injuries That Require Elbow Surgery
The most common cause of elbow pain is overuse or wear-and-tear injuries. These issues occur over time and inflame your elbow tendons. Of course, elbow injuries from falls or activity can cause anything from strained muscles or sprained ligaments to dislocations or fractures.
While athletes who swing a golf club or racquet or throw a ball may be more prone to elbow injuries, anyone can suffer from elbow pain regardless of their activity level. And if you have a condition like arthritis, you may experience chronic pain.
An elbow specialist with CMC Orthopaedics can check for conditions like tendonitis, bursitis, or damage to your ligaments or tendons including:
- Fractures and Dislocations: A traumatic fall or a direct impact can result in fractures or dislocations of the bones in the elbow joint. Severe fractures or dislocations may necessitate surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bones for proper healing.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Tennis elbow is a condition caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow. If conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and medication fail to provide relief, surgery might be considered to remove damaged tissue and promote healing.
- Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Similar to tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow affects the inner side of the elbow. Surgery might be considered when non-surgical methods don’t alleviate pain or improve function.
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: This condition arises when the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inner side of the elbow (the “funny bone”), becomes compressed. If symptoms are severe or conservative treatments prove ineffective, surgery can be an option to relieve pressure on the nerve.
- Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: These chronic conditions can affect any joint, including the elbow. Surgery might be recommended when pain, stiffness, and loss of function severely impact a person’s quality of life and non-surgical interventions are insufficient.
- Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury: Commonly known as a “Tommy John” injury, UCL tears often occur in athletes who engage in repetitive throwing motions, such as baseball pitchers. Surgery may be considered for those who wish to resume their sports careers or who have significant instability in the elbow joint.
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Factors Influencing the Decision for Elbow Surgery
While many elbow injuries can be effectively treated with conservative measures like rest, physical therapy, and medications, there are instances where surgery becomes necessary due to a variety of factors.
Severity of Symptoms:
The extent of your pain, limits to your range of motion, and the impact on your daily activities may play a crucial role in determining whether surgery is necessary.
Conservative Treatment Failure:
Non-surgical interventions like rest, physical therapy, medications, and injections are typically explored first. If they fail to provide adequate relief, it may be time to consider surgery.
Patient Goals:
Your aspirations, such as returning to a specific sport or activity, can influence your decision. You may choose surgery to regain optimal function and performance and to get back to activities you miss participating in.
Quality of Life:
When chronic pain and disability affect your overall well-being and interfere with daily life, surgery might be a viable solution.
Diagnostic Findings:
Imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans help assess the extent of damage, providing valuable information to make an informed decision.
For expert joint health care in Myrtle Beach or Conway, contact our team today!
It’s important to note that not all cases of elbow injury and pain require surgery. Surgery only becomes necessary when conservative treatments fall short of providing relief and when pain, reduced mobility, or functional limitations significantly impact your life. The decision for surgery should be a collaborative effort between you and your healthcare team, considering factors like the severity of your symptoms, treatment history, your personal goals, and diagnostic findings. If you’re facing persistent elbow issues, consulting with a CMC orthopedic specialist can help you explore the best course of action to regain optimal elbow function and overall quality of life.
Here at CMC Orthopaedics, we specialize in joint pain relief for all areas of the body to help you work toward a better quality of life. We take great pride in offering the finest treatments and surgical procedures geared towards alleviating joint pain and providing the best experience for our patients at every step of the recovery process.
Call our office today at 843-347-8041 or use our convenient online appointment request form. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
