Are you tired of long-term pain in your elbow? Perhaps your elbow hasn't healed properly after an accident like a fall? In such a case, your doctor may suggest elbow surgery. It's normal to feel a little scared when you hear the word 'operation'. But if we know more about it, we can overcome that fear. So, let's take a look at what elbow surgery is, how it's done, and what you can expect.
What is this elbow surgery?
Simply put, elbow surgery is any type of surgery that is performed on the soft tissues of your elbow joint, such as the bones, tendons, and ligaments. Doctors usually perform this procedure if you have an injury or condition that doesn't improve with regular treatment, such as medication and rest. These surgeries are performed by orthopedic surgeons.
These surgeries are now often performed using minimally invasive methods . This means that they can be done through small incisions, without a large incision.
Two types of surgery - small incision or large incision?
Elbow surgeries can be divided into two main types. The type of surgery you need will depend on your condition.
- Arthroscopy: This is the minimally invasive procedure I mentioned earlier. Some people also call it "key-hole surgery." Here, the doctor makes a small hole in your elbow and inserts a very small camera (arthroscope) through it. The images from the camera are shown on a large screen. Then, the surgery is performed by inserting long, thin instruments through one or two other small holes. The advantage of this is that the wound heals faster and there is less pain.
- Open Surgery: This is the traditional method. Here, the doctor makes a large incision through the elbow and opens the joint. This method may be necessary in cases such as an accident or in major surgery such as a total joint replacement.
What are the different types of elbow surgeries?
There are different types of surgeries that your doctor will decide on depending on your condition. Let's take a brief look at a few of them.
| Procedure Name | In simple terms... |
|---|---|
| Cubital/Radial Tunnel Release | Relieving a pinched or pinched nerve that runs through the elbow. |
| Debridement | Surgical removal of damaged, dead, or loose tissue. |
| Elbow Bursectomy | Removal of a swollen, fluid-filled sac (bursa) in the elbow (for chronic elbow bursitis) |
| Elbow Replacement | Replacing the damaged elbow joint in whole or in part with a prosthetic part. |
| Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) | Repositioning broken bone fragments and fixing them with wires or plates/screws. |
| Osteotomy | Cutting and reshaping the bone to reduce pain or realign the joint. |
| Synovectomy | Removal of the synovial membrane that is swollen due to diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. |
| Tommy John Surgery | Repair of an important ligament on the inside of the elbow (Ulnar Collateral Ligament), which is especially common in athletes. |
How long will this take? Are there any risks?
Most elbow surgeries take about an hour or two . After that, you'll spend another hour or two in the recovery room until you recover from the anesthesia, and then you'll be sent home. That means you can often go home the same day.
As with any surgery, there is a small risk, but it is very low.
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Nerve injuries
Because the elbow is a place with a lot of tissue in a small space, there is a slightly higher risk of nerve damage. But don't worry, most of the time this is temporary. Even if you feel a tingling sensation in your hand, it will go away as the nerve heals.
What happens after the operation? How is the recovery period?
Before you are sent home after the operation, the doctor or nursing staff will explain how you need to take care of yourself at home.
- How to keep the wound clean.
- How to control pain.
- How and when to wear an arm sling.
- How to bathe and take care of the wound without letting it get wet.
- How to sleep easily without pain.
- When will I be able to drive again and start doing my daily chores?
- The day I have to come see the doctor again.
Physical therapy is an important part of the healing process. After your injury has healed, a physical therapist will give you exercises to help you bend, stretch, and strengthen your elbow. Doing these exercises correctly is very important to speed up your recovery.
The incision will take a few weeks to heal, but it may take several months, or even a year, for the elbow to regain full function.
Things to ask the doctor
When you see your doctor, don't forget to ask these questions:
- When do the stitches come off? (Or do they dissolve?)
- How long will the pain last? Will I need painkillers?
- How long does physical therapy take?
- When will I be able to start playing sports and doing heavy work again?
When you need to call the doctor immediately!
If you experience any of these symptoms while at home after surgery, call your doctor immediately.
- If you get a fever.
- If there is unusual pus-like discharge from the wound.
- If you experience numbness or loss of feeling in your hand.
- If there is excessive bleeding or swelling.
- If the pain becomes too much to control.
If it is very difficult, do not delay going to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Take-Home Message
- Elbow surgery is a successful treatment for injuries and conditions that do not heal with conventional treatments. Don't be afraid of it.
- There are two main types of surgery: arthroscopy (small incisions) and open surgery (larger incisions). Your doctor will decide which is best for you.
- Recovery after surgery depends on you. It is essential to follow the doctor's instructions and, especially, to do physiotherapy exercises exactly.
- Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you have. You are the most important member of your recovery process.
- Be aware of warning signs (fever, excessive swelling, pus discharge). If you notice any of these, seek medical advice immediately.
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