Tennis Elbow Surgery in Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA
If chronic elbow pain, weakness, or difficulty performing everyday activities is affecting your quality of life, tennis elbow surgery may provide long-lasting relief when conservative treatments have failed. At Florida Joint & Spine Institute, FL, our orthopedic specialists offer advanced treatment options for lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, including minimally invasive and traditional surgical techniques. Patients throughout Sebring, Winter Haven, and surrounding Central Florida communities trust our experienced team for comprehensive elbow care focused on relieving pain, restoring strength, and helping them return to work, sports, and daily activities with confidence.
What is Elbow Anatomy?
The elbow is a joint made up of three bones: the upper arm bone, the humerus, and the two forearm bones, the radius and ulna. The lower end of the humerus has bony bumps called epicondyles that serve as sites of attachment for major tendons and muscles that help in arm movement. The bump on the outside of the elbow is called the lateral epicondyle. It helps in the attachment of the tendons and muscles that help extend your fingers and wrist.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a common name for the elbow condition lateral epicondylitis. It is an overuse injury that causes inflammation and microtears of the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle.
Tennis elbow is a painful condition occurring from repeated muscle contractions at the forearm. The condition is more common in sports activities such as tennis, painting, hammering, typing, gardening and playing musical instruments.
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are similar, except that golfer’s elbow occurs on the inside of the elbow and tennis elbow occurs on the outside of the elbow. Both conditions are a type of tendonitis - inflammation of the tendons.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is usually caused by overuse of the forearm muscles but may also be caused by direct trauma such as with a fall, car accident or work injury.
Tennis elbow is commonly seen in tennis players, hence the name, especially when poor technique is used while hitting the ball with a backhand stroke. Other common causes include any activity that requires repetitive motion of the forearm such as painting, hammering, typing, raking, weaving, gardening, lifting heavy objects and playing musical instruments.
What are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
The signs and symptoms of tennis elbow can include the following:
- Elbow pain that gradually worsens
- Pain to the outside of the elbow that radiates to the forearm and wrist with grasping objects
- Weak grip
- Painful grip
- Pain that is exacerbated in the elbow when the wrist is bent back
How is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?
Your doctor will evaluate tennis elbow by reviewing your medical history, performing a thorough physical examination and ordering X-rays, MRI or electromyogram (EMG) to detect any nerve compression.
What is the Treatment for Tennis Elbow?
Your doctor will first recommend conservative treatment options. These may include:
- Limit the use and rest the arm from activities that worsen symptoms.
- Splints or braces may be ordered to decrease stress on the injured tissues.
- Apply ice packs on the elbow to reduce swelling.
- Avoid activities that bring on the symptoms and increase stress on the tendons.
- Anti-inflammatory medications and/or steroid injections may be ordered to treat pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy may be ordered for strengthening and stretching exercises to the forearm once your symptoms have decreased.
- Pulsed ultrasound may be used to increase blood flow and promote healing to the injured tendons.
If conservative treatment options fail to resolve the condition and symptoms persist for 6 -12 months, your surgeon may recommend a surgical procedure called lateral epicondyle release surgery. Your surgeon will decide whether to perform your surgery in the traditional open manner (single large incision) or endoscopically (2 to 3 tiny incisions and the use of an endoscope – narrow lighted tube with a camera). Your surgeon will decide which option is best for you depending on your specific circumstances.
Your surgeon moves aside soft tissues to view the extensor tendon and its attachment on the lateral epicondyle and then trims or releases the tendon, and reattaches it to the bone. Any scar tissue present will be removed as well as any bone spurs. After the surgery is completed, the incision(s) are closed by suturing or by tape.
Following surgery, you are referred to physical therapy to improve the range of motion and strength of your joint.
Why Choose Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA for Tennis Elbow Surgery?
Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA provides expert orthopedic care for patients suffering from tennis elbow and other upper extremity conditions. Our specialists utilize advanced diagnostic tools, evidence-based treatment protocols, and modern surgical techniques to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. When surgery becomes necessary, we focus on minimally invasive approaches whenever appropriate to reduce tissue trauma and support faster recovery. From diagnosis through rehabilitation, our team is committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care designed to restore elbow function and improve quality of life. With convenient locations and comprehensive orthopedic services, Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA offers exceptional care close to home.
Tennis Elbow Surgery FAQs
What is tennis elbow surgery?
Tennis elbow surgery, also known as lateral epicondyle release surgery, is a procedure performed to remove damaged tendon tissue, improve blood flow to the area, and relieve chronic elbow pain caused by lateral epicondylitis.
When is surgery recommended for tennis elbow?
Surgery is typically considered when symptoms persist for 6 to 12 months despite conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, medications, bracing, injections, and activity modification.
What are the different types of tennis elbow surgery?
Tennis elbow surgery may be performed using a traditional open approach or a minimally invasive endoscopic technique. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate option based on your condition and treatment goals.
Is tennis elbow surgery performed on an outpatient basis?
Yes. Most tennis elbow procedures are performed as outpatient surgery, allowing patients to return home the same day.
How long does recovery take after tennis elbow surgery?
Recovery timelines vary, but many patients gradually return to normal activities within several weeks to a few months. Full recovery and return to sports may take longer depending on the extent of the procedure and rehabilitation progress.
Will I need physical therapy after surgery?
Yes. Physical therapy is often recommended to improve flexibility, restore strength, enhance range of motion, and help ensure the best possible surgical outcome.
What is the success rate of tennis elbow surgery?
Tennis elbow surgery has a high success rate, with many patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved function after recovery.
What are the risks associated with tennis elbow surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, potential risks include infection, nerve injury, stiffness, weakness, recurrence of symptoms, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia.
When can I return to work after surgery?
Return-to-work timing depends on the physical demands of your occupation. Patients with sedentary jobs may return sooner, while those performing repetitive lifting or manual labor may require additional recovery time.
Schedule a Tennis Elbow Consultation in Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA
If persistent elbow pain, weakness, or limited arm function is preventing you from enjoying daily activities, work, or sports, the orthopedic specialists at Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA can help. Contact Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA today to schedule a consultation and learn whether tennis elbow surgery is the right treatment option for your condition. Our experienced orthopedic team proudly serves patients throughout Sebring, Winter Haven, and surrounding Central Florida communities with advanced, personalized elbow care designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help you get back to the activities you enjoy.
For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, call us at or click here to request an appointment online. We’ll respond to you as soon as possible.
