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The Joint Clinic

About Elbow

About Elbow

We manage painful elbow conditions such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, bursitis, arthritis, stiff elbow and muscle and ligament ruptures. We also manage single and recurring dislocations of the elbow, sports and work-related elbow problems and complex reconstructive problems of the elbow. Our group performs complex arthroscopic elbow surgery

Pain from Tennis Elbow / Golfer’s elbow

Pain from Tennis Elbow / Golfer’s elbow affects sports persons as well as general population. It occurs at either side of the elbow joint in people who are involved in wringing movements like washing clothes, driving a motorcycle or racquet sports like tennis/badminton. This is because of tendonopathy where the tendons around the elbow are damaged due to injury or overuse but unable to heal themselves. Simple treatment like rest, ice compress, exercises, elbow support and modification of racquet technique are usually enough.


When simple treatments fail, PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections are given in the elbow which promote healing of tendons. Sometimes surgery is necessary in recalcitrant cases. This involves releasing the tendons and clearing the diseased tissues. This can be done with open or arthroscopic (keyhole) techniques. More about tennis elbow surgery

Treatment for Tennis Elbow

The common condition of the elbow. Pain is on the outer aspect of the elbow. How to treat this elbow

Elbow Instability

Elbow Instability results from ligament injuries around the elbow. These are typically seen after elbow dislocation or in throwing athletes because of overuse. In either case, the elbow becomes painful and “loose” during movements and holding/throwing objects. There is loss of strength, clicking or catching sensation on movements. Treatment involves exercises and surgery in the form of ligament reconstruction. More about elbow ligament reconstruction

Elbow Arthritis

Elbow Arthritis can cause pain and loss of motion. It occurs when the cartilage surface of the elbow is damaged or becomes worn. This can happen because of a previous injury or as a result of wearing out of the joint cartilage from age. Early cases are managed with oral medications, physical therapy and activity modification. In advanced disease, Arthroscopy provides symptom improvement by removing loose bodies or inflammatory/degenerative tissue in the joint. It also smooths out irregular surfaces. Multiple small incisions are used to perform the surgery. More about Elbow Arthroscopy

If the joint surface has worn away completely, it is unlikely that anything other than a joint replacement would bring about relief. There are several different types of elbow joint replacement available. More about Elbow Replacements

Elbow Stiffness

Elbow Stiffness is the most common complication following any elbow surgery or injury. It is best to prevent a stiff elbow by moving the elbow as soon as practical. If the elbow becomes stiff it can sometimes be splinted back to a functional range of motion. This is most effective in the first six months following injury or surgery.


If all non operative measures have failed, a surgical stiff elbow release can be performed. There are many different methods of performing a stiff elbow release. A significant portion of the surgery is usually done arthroscopically (with keyhole surgery) but often an open incision is required. There is a significant post operative rehabilitation period required following the surgery. More about stiff elbow release