Golfer’s Elbow & Tennis Elbow Surgery

(Medial Epicondylectomy & Lateral Epicondylitis Debridement)

At the Advanced Center for Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery, several of our orthopedic surgeons specialize in medial epicondylectomy and epicondylitis debridement (also known as Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow surgery), including Dr. Doppelt, and  Dr. Taylor. The Advanced Center for Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery has been performing Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow surgeries for more than three decades. That means your elbow surgery will be performed by a team whose experience and skill-set is virtually unmatched in Marquette, the surrounding Upper Peninsula, and throughout Northern Michigan.

Golfer’s Elbow Surgery (Medial Epicondylectomy & Ulnar Nerve Release)

Golfer’s Elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is an orthopedic condition that occurs when the anterior tendons of the elbow become inflamed and stressed due to generally injury or overuse.

Golfer’s Elbow surgery (called medial epicondylectomy and ulnar nerve release) involves creating an incision along the inner side of the elbow in order to access and carefully remove the medial epicondyle (the bony bump located on the inner side of the elbow) that is putting pressure on the blocked ulnar nerve. Once removed, the ulnar nerve is able to glide freely as the elbow is used and when bent.

Tennis Elbow Surgery (Lateral Epicondylitis Debridement)

Tennis Elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an orthopedic condition that occurs when the outside of the upper arm near the elbow becomes inflamed and sore due to muscle overuse, which causes the tendons to tear. Tennis Elbow surgery (called lateral epicondylitis debridement) involves creating a series of small incisions around the elbow and accessing the diseased bones, cartilage, ligaments, or tendons via an arthroscopic camera, which allows the surgeon to view the procedure on a monitor. Once diagnosed, the surgeon uses arthroscopic tools to carefully repair and/or remove any damage. 

Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow surgeries are outpatient procedures that require the patient to be under a local anesthesia with sedation, general anesthesia, or regional anesthesia. Post-surgery, the patient is typically given pain medication, is bandaged (often a splint is applied), and is able to go home the same day. Following medial epicondylectomy and/or arthroscopic debridement (Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow surgeries), occupational and/or physical therapy is advised in order to ensure a complete recovery.  

To learn more about what to expect when you undergo Golfer’s or Tennis Elbow surgery (also known as medial epicondylectomy or lateral epicondylitis debridement), please visit our surgery prep and recovery page and interactive videos.

Specialty Reference:
Shoulder & Elbow