Patient Portal: Effective June 2nd, the practice is using Epic’s MyChart medical record and the Athena portal is no longer available. If you are not on MyChart, please call 404-352-3522 for assistance.
Patient Portal: Effective June 2nd, the practice is using Epic’s MyChart medical record and the Athena portal is no longer available. If you are not on MyChart, please call 404-352-3522 for assistance.
The elbow is a complex hinge joint that plays a key role in the movement and stability of your upper arm and forearm. When an elbow injury, chronic pain, or structural damage limits your ability to move comfortably, surgery may be one of the options your healthcare team recommends to help restore function and relieve pain.
At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, our orthopedic surgeons are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of elbow conditions. With offices in Marietta and Atlanta, GA, we offer advanced surgical techniques and minimally invasive procedures designed to help patients heal properly. Contact us today!
The elbow is formed by the connection of three bones — the humerus (upper arm bone), radius, and ulna. These bones, along with surrounding ligaments, tendons, and soft tissue, work together to provide joint stability and a wide range of motion.Â
Because the elbow is used in nearly every arm movement, injuries or conditions affecting it can significantly impact quality of life. Common issues include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears, ulnar nerve compression, fractures, and arthritis.
When other treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or activity modification are not enough to address the problem, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend one of several types of elbow surgery to repair damaged structures and restore function.
Modern medicine offers a variety of elbow surgeries that target different conditions, injuries, and levels of severity. At our practice, an elbow surgeon will assess your case and recommend a surgical procedure tailored to your needs. You can learn more about our specialized elbow treatments and surgical care here.
Below are some of the most common surgical options:
Using small incisions and specialized tools, arthroscopic debridement is a minimally invasive procedure that removes damaged tissue, bone spurs, or loose fragments within the elbow. This outpatient procedure is often used for conditions like arthritis or injuries causing pain and stiffness, and it may allow for a faster recovery compared to open joint surgery.
This procedure, commonly associated with athletes in sports medicine, repairs or reconstructs the ulnar collateral ligament on the inner side of the elbow. In a Tommy John surgery, the damaged ligament is replaced with a tendon graft to restore joint stability. It’s frequently performed for throwing athletes, but it can benefit anyone with a significant UCL tear.
Total elbow arthroplasty involves replacing the bone surfaces of the elbow with an artificial implant. This elbow joint replacement may be recommended for severe arthritis, complex fractures, or chronic instability. Elbow replacement can help restore movement and alleviate pain, particularly when other treatments have been ineffective.
For patients with cubital tunnel syndrome, where the ulnar nerve is compressed along the inner elbow, this surgery repositions the nerve to relieve pressure. Ulnar nerve transposition may help improve sensation, reduce tingling, and prevent worsening nerve damage.
In cases of nerve compression, cubital tunnel release involves enlarging the space where the ulnar nerve passes, reducing irritation and improving arm and hand function. This can be performed using minimally invasive procedures or open techniques, depending on the condition.
When trauma or repetitive motion damages the ligaments around the elbow, ligament repair or reconstruction can help restore joint stability. This may involve suturing torn ligaments or using grafts to rebuild them, depending on the extent of the injury.
Partial elbow arthroplasty replaces only the damaged portions of the elbow, preserving as much healthy bone and tissue as possible. This approach can maintain a range of motion while reducing pain.
Chronic cases of tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow that don’t respond to other treatments may benefit from a surgical release. This removes or repairs the damaged tendon attachments at the lateral epicondyle or inner elbow to improve movement and relieve pain.
Choosing the right surgical technique depends on factors such as the nature of your elbow injury, the structures involved, your age, activity level, and your overall health. Your healthcare team will evaluate imaging studies, review symptoms, and discuss potential risks before recommending a procedure.
Most procedures are performed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia, and many can be completed as an outpatient procedure. Faster recovery times are often possible with minimally invasive approaches, but each case is unique. Postoperative care may include physical therapy to help restore strength, improve mobility, and ensure the joint heals properly.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic elbow pain, recovering from an athletic injury, or facing arthritis-related joint damage, modern surgical options can help restore function and improve your quality of life. Advances in surgical techniques and implant design have made many elbow surgeries more precise, resulting in less pain and better long-term outcomes for many patients.
At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for all types of elbow conditions. From minimally invasive procedures to complex joint replacement surgeries, we tailor every approach to the needs of our patients.
If you are experiencing persistent elbow pain or have sustained an injury that may require surgery, our team is here to guide you through every step, from diagnosis to rehabilitation. Contact us in Atlanta or Marietta today to schedule an appointment and explore the surgical procedures that may help you move with comfort and confidence again.
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