The elbow is a complex joint that helps move and position your hand. This vital joint is also a meeting place for many different bodily systems, meaning that there are several conditions that can cause elbow pain including tendonitis, arthritis, fractures and instability.

Our surgeons are experts in both operative and non-operative treatments for elbow conditions. They will tailor a specific plan to meet your unique needs.

Common Conditions that Affect the Elbow

• Tendinitis 
  • Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis) tendinitis
  • Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) tendinitis
  • Tricep tendonitis
• Compressive peripheral nerve neuropathy
  • Cubital tunnel syndrome
  • Radial tunnel syndrome
• Olecranon bursitis
• Elbow stiffness
• Triceps tendon tear
• Biceps tendon tear

• Fractures  of the elbow
• Osteoarthritis of the elbow

Conservative Treatment Options for Elbow Pain

Your doctor will start with obtaining a detailed history of your condition with special attention to the severity and duration of your symptoms. Our experts will conduct a thorough examination of your elbow and recommend the best treatment options. In many cases, conservative treatment is the first treatment we offer and in others (such as fractures and dislocations) surgical treatment may be the only option to consider.

Here are some modalities of conservative non-operative treatment to the elbow joint:

• X-rays, EMG, MRI examination
• Local injections of:
  • Lateral and medial epicondyle injections with steroid and local anesthetic
  • Intra-articular injections of the elbow
• A sling or a brace
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation

 Surgical Treatment Options for the Painful Elbow

Here at the Long Beach-Lakewood Orthopedic Institute, the welfare of our patients is our #1 priority. When conservative treatment fails or if surgery is the treatment of choice, our Board-certified and experienced shoulder surgeons will discuss with you in detail the available surgical options and recommend to you the most appropriate procedure.

Here are some of the examples of these procedures:

• Cubital tunnel release with anterior nerve transposition
• Radial tunnel release
• Medial epicondylectomy with tendon repair
• Lateral epicondylectomy with tendon repair
• Biceps tendon repair
• Triceps tendon repair
• Radial head excision
• Radial head replacement
• Open reduction and internal fixation of the elbow fractures