Contact number: 020 7806 4060
»
What is Tennis Elbow Surgery?
Tennis elbow surgery involves removing damaged tissue from the tendons in the elbow to alleviate pain and promote healing. In some cases, the procedure also includes releasing or reattaching the affected tendon.
This surgery is recommended for patients who have not found relief through non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, rest, or corticosteroid injections. The procedure can be performed using:
- Open Surgery: A traditional method that provides direct access to the tendon.
- Arthroscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive approach using small incisions and specialised instruments.
Tennis Elbow Surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we provide compassionate care for patients needing tennis elbow surgery. Our skilled orthopaedic surgeons work closely with you to create a personalised treatment plan, focusing on relieving pain and restoring function to your arm.
Why choose us for tennis elbow surgery?
- Specialist Surgeons: Our consultants are experts in diagnosing and treating tendon injuries, including tennis elbow.
- Minimally Invasive Options: We use advanced arthroscopic techniques to minimise recovery times and discomfort.
- Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to rehabilitation, we provide support every step of the way.
- Accessible Location: Conveniently based in NW8, we serve patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and the wider London area.
We are committed to helping you regain arm strength and mobility with expert and compassionate care.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennis Elbow Surgery
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We are conveniently accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and beyond.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, major routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Yes, surgery can effectively treat tennis elbow in cases where non-surgical treatments have not provided relief. The procedure removes damaged tissue and promotes healing, helping to reduce pain and restore strength and mobility to the affected arm.
While surgery significantly reduces symptoms for most patients, there is a small chance that tennis elbow can recur, especially if the tendon is subjected to repeated strain. Following a physiotherapy programme and making adjustments to activities can help lower the risk of recurrence.
The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the condition and the surgical method used.
Most patients can return to light activities within a few weeks, while full recovery, including resuming sports or heavy lifting, may take three to six months. A physiotherapy programme is often recommended to support rehabilitation.
After tennis elbow surgery, it’s likely that you’ll have some difficulty with normal activities for a little while. It’s important that you take recovery time seriously. Following the surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation are essential for a successful recovery. You’ll have your arm in a sling for about two weeks after the operation for social protection, and an upper limb physiotherapist will work with you to gradually regain elbow strength and range of motion. The rehabilitation process can take from three to six months, and it’s crucial to follow the therapist’s guidance and any postoperative instructions provided by your surgeon.
Surgery is typically recommended for patients with chronic tennis elbow that hasn’t improved after six to twelve months of non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy, injections, or bracing.
The surgeon begins with an incision near your lateral epicondyle, which is the bony bump on the outer side of the elbow. The size and location of the incision can vary depending on the specific tear, its location, and the surgical technique being used. Common incision types include:
- Arthroscopic approach: In this minimally invasive technique, several small incisions are made, and a tiny camera (arthroscope) is inserted to provide a view of the inside of the elbow joint. Surgical instruments are then inserted through additional small incisions to repair the tear.
- Open approach: In some cases, particularly for larger or more complex tears, a larger incision may be made to directly access and repair the torn tendons and muscles.
The surgeon then identifies and releases the damaged or inflamed tendon. This release can be done using various techniques, including open surgery or minimally invasive procedures like arthroscopy. Once complete, the team then stitch the incision up and take you to the recovery centre.
Medically reviewed by Mr Abbas Rashid - BSc(Hons) MBBS FRCS(Tr&Orth) on 02/02/2024