Elbow & Arm Pain Surgery

What are Common Symptoms?

Elbow and arm pain can be caused by various conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, bones, nerves, or other structures in the arm and elbow region. Here are some common symptoms associated with elbow and arm pain:

Pain: Persistent or intermittent pain in the elbow or arm is the primary symptom. The pain may vary in intensity, ranging from mild discomfort to severe and debilitating.

Tenderness: The affected area may be tender to touch or pressure.

Swelling: Inflammation or fluid accumulation in the elbow joint or surrounding tissues can cause swelling.

Stiffness: Difficulty moving the elbow joint or arm due to reduced range of motion. The joint may feel stiff and may be accompanied by a feeling of tightness.

Weakness: A sense of weakness in the arm, making it challenging to perform certain activities or grip objects firmly.

Numbness or Tingling: Sensations of pins and needles or loss of sensation in the arm, hand, or fingers, indicating possible nerve involvement.

Radiating Pain: Pain that extends from the elbow down the arm or into the hand, often following the path of a specific nerve.

Clicking or Snapping: Some individuals may experience clicking or snapping sensations in the elbow during movement.

Locking or Catching: A feeling that the elbow joint “catches” or gets stuck during movement.

Muscle Spasms: Involuntary muscle contractions that can cause pain and restrict movement.

Common Causes

Common causes of elbow and arm pain include: Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Tendinitis and inflammation of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow due to overuse or repetitive motions.

  • Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Tendinitis and inflammation of the tendons on the inner side of the elbow, often caused by repetitive gripping or throwing.
  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa sacs that cushion the elbow joint.
  • Fractures or Dislocations: Broken bones or dislocated joints in the elbow or arm due to falls or accidents.
  • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel at the elbow, leading to numbness and tingling in the forearm and hand.
  • Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the radial nerve near the elbow, causing pain and weakness in the forearm and hand.
  • Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease that can affect the elbow joint.
  • Referred Pain: Pain originating from a different location, such as the neck or shoulder, but felt in the arm or elbow.
  • Tendon Tears: Tears in the tendons of the arm or elbow, which can occur due to injury or overuse.

If you experience persistent or severe elbow and arm pain or any accompanying symptoms, it’s important to seek medical evaluation from a healthcare professional. Proper diagnosis is crucial to determine the underlying cause of the pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options may include rest, physical therapy, pain medication, corticosteroid injections, or in some cases, surgery.

Common Conditions

Elbow and arm pain can be caused by various conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, bones, and other structures in the arm and elbow region. Here are some common conditions that can lead to elbow and arm pain:

 

  • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Tendinitis and inflammation of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow, typically caused by overuse or repetitive motions, such as those seen in racquet sports or certain occupational activities.
  • Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Tendinitis and inflammation of the tendons on the inner side of the elbow, often caused by repetitive gripping, throwing, or swinging motions.
  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa sacs located near the elbow joint, leading to pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
  • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel at the elbow, resulting in pain, tingling, and numbness in the forearm and hand.
  • Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the radial nerve near the elbow, causing pain and weakness in the forearm and hand.
  • Olecranon Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa sac located at the tip of the elbow (olecranon), leading to a swollen and tender elbow.
  • Fractures and Dislocations: Breaks in the bones of the elbow or dislocation of the joint due to trauma or falls.
  • Osteoarthritis: Degenerative joint disease that can affect the elbow joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
  • Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury: A sprain or tear in the UCL of the elbow, often seen in athletes who participate in throwing sports.
  • Biceps Tendinitis: Inflammation of the biceps tendon, which attaches to the front of the shoulder and the elbow.
  • Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture: A tear in the biceps tendon near its attachment at the forearm, leading to weakness and pain.
  • Referred Pain: Pain originating from a different location, such as the neck or shoulder, but felt in the arm or elbow.
  • Cervical Radiculopathy: Compression or irritation of nerve roots in the neck, leading to pain that radiates into the arm and elbow.
  • Brachial Plexus Injury: Damage to the network of nerves that control movement and sensation in the arm and hand.
  • Lateral or Medial Epicondyle Apophysitis: Commonly known as “Little League elbow” or “Little League syndrome,” this condition involves inflammation of the growth plates in children and adolescents participating in throwing sports.

It’s important to note that the symptoms and severity of these conditions can vary, and proper diagnosis and treatment should be sought from a specialist in orthopedic conditions. Treatment options may include rest, physical therapy, pain medication, corticosteroid injections, or in some cases, surgery, depending on the specific condition and individual needs.

Common Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis and treatment for elbow and arm pain involve a thorough evaluation by an orthopedic specialist to identify the underlying cause of the pain. Here's a general outline of the common diagnosis and treatment steps for elbow and arm pain:

Diagnosis

Diagnosis and treatment for shoulder pain involve a comprehensive evaluation by a orthopedic specialist to identify the underlying cause of the pain. Here's a general outline of the common diagnosis and treatment steps for shoulder pain:

  • Medical History: The healthcare provider will inquire about the nature of the pain, any specific activities or movements that worsen or alleviate the pain, previous injuries, and any relevant medical conditions.
  • Physical Examination: A comprehensive examination of the elbow and arm will be conducted to assess range of motion, strength, stability, and any signs of inflammation or structural issues.
  • Imaging Studies: X-rays may be used to visualize the bones and joint structures, helping to identify fractures or joint abnormalities. MRI or ultrasound can provide detailed images of soft tissues like tendons, ligaments, and nerves.
  • Nerve Conduction Studies: If nerve involvement is suspected, nerve conduction studies may be performed to evaluate nerve function and identify potential nerve compression or injury.
  • Diagnostic Injections: In some cases, a diagnostic injection of a local anesthetic into a specific structure, such as a joint or tendon, may be used to confirm the source of the pain.
  • Other Tests: Blood tests or additional diagnostic procedures may be ordered to rule out underlying medical conditions that could contribute to elbow and arm pain.

Treatment

The treatment approach for elbow and arm pain depends on the specific diagnosis and severity of the condition. Common treatment options include:

  • Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain and giving the affected area time to heal can be beneficial.
  • Physical Therapy: Specific exercises and stretches aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and stability can help reduce pain and improve function.

Medications

  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter or prescription medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Pain Relievers: Analgesics to alleviate pain and discomfort.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: These may be used to reduce inflammation and provide short-term pain relief in specific conditions.
  • Cold and Heat Therapy: Applying ice packs to reduce inflammation and swelling or using heat to relax the muscles can be helpful.
  • Bracing or Splinting: In some cases, wearing a brace or splint can provide support and protect the affected area during the healing process.
  • Activity Modification: Avoiding or modifying activities that exacerbate the pain can aid in the healing process.
  • Surgical Intervention: For certain conditions that do not respond to conservative treatments or require immediate attention (e.g., fractures, severe ligament tears), surgery may be considered.

 

There are several surgical procedures for elbow and arm conditions, each designed to address specific issues and provide relief from pain or improve function. Here is a list of common surgical procedures for the elbow and arm

  • Elbow Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure using a small camera (arthroscope) to visualize and treat various elbow problems, such as loose bodies, cartilage damage, or tennis elbow.
  • Tennis Elbow Release (Lateral Epicondylitis Release): A surgery to release the damaged tendon at the outer side of the elbow to treat tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis).
  • Golfer’s Elbow Release (Medial Epicondylitis Release): A surgery to release the damaged tendon at the inner side of the elbow to treat golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis).
  • Ulnar Nerve Transposition (Cubital Tunnel Release): A procedure to move the ulnar nerve to relieve pressure and treat cubital tunnel syndrome.
  • Elbow Ligament Reconstruction (Tommy John Surgery): A surgery to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow, often performed in athletes, particularly baseball pitchers.
  • Elbow Fracture Fixation: A surgery to stabilize fractured bones in the elbow using plates, screws, or other fixation devices.
  • Elbow Tendon Repair or Reconstruction: A surgery to repair or reconstruct torn or damaged tendons in the elbow, such as the biceps or triceps tendons.
  • Radial Head Replacement: A procedure to replace a damaged radial head (the top part of the radius bone) in the elbow.
  • Elbow Synovectomy: A surgery to remove the inflamed synovium (lining of the joint) in the elbow, often performed for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Elbow Arthrodesis: A surgery to fuse the bones of the elbow joint, often performed to treat severe arthritis, instability, or failed elbow replacement.
  • Distal Biceps Repair: A surgery to repair a torn distal biceps tendon near the elbow
  • Biceps Tenodesis: A surgery to reattach or move the biceps tendon to alleviate pain and improve function.
  • Brachial Plexus Decompression: A procedure to decompress or release compressed nerves in the brachial plexus (network of nerves in the shoulder and arm).

Please note that the appropriateness of these surgical procedures depends on the individual’s specific elbow and arm condition, symptoms, and the expertise of the orthopedic surgeon. Non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy or medications, are often considered as the first line of management for many elbow and arm conditions, and surgery is typically reserved for cases where conservative measures have not provided adequate relief or for more severe conditions. Always consult with your orthorpedic surgeon to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific elbow or arm condition.

 

Physical Modalities: Other therapies such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or manual therapies may be utilized to reduce pain and promote healing.

 

Education and Lifestyle Modification: Learning proper techniques for activities and ergonomics can prevent future injuries and promote better arm and elbow health.

 

The treatment plan will be tailored to each individual’s specific needs and condition. It’s crucial to follow the guidance of a orthopedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to effectively manage elbow and arm pain and facilitate a successful recovery.

Dr. S. Evan Carstensen

S. EVAN CARSTENSEN, M.D.
ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALIST

Board certified, fellowship trained orthopaedic shoulder, knee, hip, and sports medicine specialist managing injuries both non-operatively and operatively by specifically utilizing evidence-based medicine and minimally invasive techniques.

 

Dr. Daryl Dykes

DARYL DYKES, M.D.​
ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALIST

Board certified orthopedic surgeon with extensive experience in diagnosis, treatment and management of spine, bone or joint condition, and specializes in reconstruction of the shoulder, hip, and knee, including total joint replacement.

 

Dr. Lloyd Johnson

LLOYD JOHNSON, M.D.
ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALIST

Board-certified and fellowship-trained in both reconstructive and spine surgery with extensive experience in the management of complex conditions, diagnosis and treatment of:general orthopedics, spine disorders, sports medicine, orthopedic upper and lower extremities.

 

 

Dr. Loy Vaughan

LOY VAUGHAN, M.D.​
ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALIST

General orthopedic surgeon treating musculoskeletal condition with a particular interest in shoulder, hip, and knee joint replacement, shoulder and knee arthroscopy, and fracture care. Dr. Vaughan is a board-eligible orthopedic surgeon with experience in complex conditions, treatment and management.