When is reconstructive arm elbow surgery performed?
One of the more common problems is torn muscle tissue in the case of lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow on the outside of the elbow. Surgery is necessary in some cases to remove the torn muscle fibers and bone spurs. A similar problem on the inside of the elbow is medial epicondylitis or golfer’s elbow. It is similarly treated as lateral epicondylitis. Distal biceps tendon ruptures usually can be reattached but in chronic cases may require a bridging tendon graft. Ligament tears of the elbow are not uncommon particularly in the elite overhead athlete such as pitchers, quarterbacks and tennis players. The ulnar collateral ligament is reconstructed using a tendon graft from the forearm (Tommy John procedure). Posterolateral elbow instability can develop and require a similar reconstruction. Arthroscopic surgery may be used to remove loose bodies or spurs within the elbow joint restoring motion and preventing arthritis from progressing. Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow or cubital tu
