Elbow Surgeon in Georgia

Elbow Surgery

Elbow injuries are extremely common, both from sports and from everyday activities; getting proper treatment for an elbow injury is essential to ensure that the healing process is as smooth as possible. Our physicians have extensive experience with a variety of treatment options available for the correction of painful elbow conditions.

Experienced Orthopedic Surgeons

Quality Elbow Care

At Georgia Bone & Joint Surgeons, we are dedicated to providing our patients with high quality service throughout your treatment journey. Our physicians specialize in elbow surgery and pain treatment and can provide personalized treatment options based on your diagnosis and medical history. We also stay up-to-date with the latest technologies to ensure that you are receiving the best available care.

What Symptoms Should I Be Concerned About?

Elbow Pain Symptoms

Elbow pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, and the symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. Some common symptoms of elbow pain are listed below; if you are experiencing any of the following, it may be time to reach out to an upper extremity surgeon to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Pain, aching, stiffness, or numbness in the elbow or surrounding area
Swelling or redness in the affected area after an injury
Weakness, tingling, or burning sensation in the hand, wrist, or fingers; this could be coming from your elbow
Difficulty gripping or holding objects; limited range of motion in the elbow joint
Pain that radiates from the elbow to the forearm or shoulder

Why Does My Elbow Hurt?

Common Elbow Conditions

Elbow conditions are common and can range from minor to severe. Elbow pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including the following:

Tennis elbow

This condition occurs when the tendons that connect the muscles of the forearm to the elbow become damaged, causing pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow.
Golfer's elbow

This condition affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow. It is caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm that attach to the inner elbow.
Arthritis

Arthritis of the elbow joint can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. It is a degenerative condition that can occur due to aging, injury, or overuse.
Osteochondritis dissecans

This is a condition in which a small piece of bone and cartilage in the elbow joint becomes loose and can cause pain and limited mobility.
Fractures

Fractures of the elbow can occur due to a fall or injury and can cause severe pain and limited mobility.
Distal Biceps Tendon Ruptures

This tendon can rupture when lifting heavy objects that causes pain and bruising in the elbow.
Nerve entrapment

The ulnar nerve is the most commonly entrapped nerve in the elbow. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand.

Personalized Treatment

Treatment of Elbow Conditions

At Georgia Bone & Joint Surgeons, we will take a personalized, holistic approach to diagnose and treat your elbow condition. In most cases, non-operative treatment options are successful and include:

Rest
Icing
Bracing
Over the counter medicines and creams
Prescription medicines and creams
Hand Therapy with a Certified Hand Therapist
Cortisone Injections

Common Elbow Surgical Procedures

Elbow surgery is a common procedure used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the elbow joint. Your surgeon will recommend the best treatment option for you based on your specific condition and needs. Some of the most common elbow procedures include:

Epicondylitis Surgery is a procedure to treat either Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow to remove the damaged areas of the tendon and repair the tendon to the bone.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the elbow joint to diagnose and treat conditions such as arthritis, tennis elbow, and ligament tears.
Fracture repair: Elbow fractures can occur from a fall or an injury. Surgery may be required to reposition the bones and fix them in place with hardware such as screws and plates.
Total elbow replacement is a procedure in which the damaged parts of the elbow joint are removed and replaced with an artificial joint. It is typically done for patients with severe arthritis.
Ulnar nerve transposition is done to relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve, which can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand. The ulnar nerve is moved from its original position to a new location in the elbow.
Ligament reconstruction is done to repair or reconstruct damaged ligaments in the elbow, such as the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) which is commonly torn in throwing athletes.

Our Experienced Elbow Surgeons

Elbow Surgery FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that undergoing any kind of surgery may be a daunting experience. To help make the process easier, we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions about elbow surgery.

How do I know if I need elbow surgery?

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may order imaging tests to determine the cause of your elbow pain. In many cases, non-surgical treatments may be tried first, but if they are not effective, surgery may be recommended.

Is elbow surgery painful?

Pain and discomfort are normal after elbow surgery, but it can be managed with pain medication and physical therapy. Your surgeon will provide guidance on how to manage pain during the recovery period.

What can I expect after surgery?

After any kind of surgical procedure, you can expect swelling, bruising or purplish discoloration, difficulty moving the fingers or wrist, a burning sensation at the incision site, and pain. This is all normal. Your surgeon will instruct you on the need for elevation, icing, therapeutic exercises, bracing and pain medicine to help with these symptoms after surgery.

How long does it take to recover from elbow surgery?

Recovery time can vary depending on the type of surgery and the individual patient. It also depends on the tasks that the individuals need to perform to return to their normal lives. Some patients may be able to return to work and normal activities within 4-6 weeks, while others may require several months of recovery. Your surgeon will be able to give you an estimate of the recovery time for your specific procedure and lifestyle.

Will I need physical therapy after elbow surgery?

Physical therapy is often recommended after elbow surgery to help with the healing process, regain strength and mobility and prevent stiffness.

Are there any restrictions I should follow after elbow surgery?

Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your elbow after surgery, and it's important to follow these instructions to ensure proper healing. You may be instructed to limit the use of the affected arm for a certain period of time, avoid certain activities, and use a splint or brace to protect the area.

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Are you looking to learn more about elbow surgery? Contact Georgia Bone & Joint Surgeons today!

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