Tennis Elbow Surgery (ECRB Debridement)
Tennis Elbow Surgery in San Antonio, TX
Pain on the outside of your elbow that makes gripping a cup, turning a doorknob or swinging a racquet hard can wear you down, especially when it has lasted for months. Most cases of tennis elbow improve without surgery, but when pain persists despite consistent treatment, surgery on the damaged tendon may be considered.
Travis C. Burns, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in San Antonio, TX, performs ECRB debridement for tennis elbow and sees patients at his Medical Center, Alamo Heights and Westover Hills offices. Dr. Burns considers how long you have had symptoms, what you have tried and your goals before recommending surgery.
What Is ECRB Debridement?
ECRB debridement, also called an ECRB release, is surgery for tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) that removes damaged, degenerated tissue from the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon where it attaches to the outside of your elbow. The ECRB is a forearm muscle that helps steady your wrist when you grip. Repeated strain can cause small tears and painful changes in its tendon that do not heal on their own.
For background on the condition, see the Tennis Elbow page. Pain on the inside of the elbow is more often golfer's elbow.
What Are the Benefits of Tennis Elbow Surgery?
If you are an appropriate candidate, surgery may offer potential benefits:
- Pain relief: Removing damaged tendon tissue may ease pain on the outside of your elbow.
- Better grip: Gripping, lifting and twisting may become more comfortable.
- Return to activity: Many patients work toward getting back to work, sport and daily tasks.
- Early motion: Gentle movement begins soon after surgery.
Your benefits depend on your condition, how long you have had symptoms and your rehabilitation.
Who Needs Tennis Elbow Surgery?
You may be a candidate for ECRB debridement when your symptoms continue despite consistent nonsurgical care. Situations may include:
- Pain on the outside of your elbow lasting many months
- Limited improvement after rest, bracing, therapy and activity changes
- Little or temporary relief from injections, which may include PRP therapy
- Pain that limits your work, sport or daily activities
- Imaging that shows tendon damage matching your symptoms
Most people with tennis elbow do not need surgery. Dr. Burns can discuss whether more time with nonsurgical care or surgery makes sense for you.
What Does Preparation for Tennis Elbow Surgery Involve?
Your evaluation includes a history of your symptoms and treatments, an exam of your elbow and wrist, and imaging such as X-rays and MRI or ultrasound to assess the tendon and rule out other causes.
Before surgery, you will receive instructions as outlined in the Preoperative Instructions. You will wear a counterforce brace for 12 weeks after surgery, so planning ahead for daily tasks may help.
How Is ECRB Debridement Performed?
After you receive anesthesia, your surgeon reaches the ECRB tendon at the outside of your elbow. The damaged tendon tissue is identified and removed, and the bone surface may be prepared to encourage healing. The exact approach depends on your elbow and is discussed with you before surgery.
The incisions are closed and a splint is applied.
What to Expect During Recovery After Tennis Elbow Surgery?
Dr. Burns' ECRB release protocol outlines each stage of your rehabilitation, with early gentle motion and a counterforce brace for 12 weeks.
The First Two Weeks
The goals are pain control and early range of motion. Your splint is changed to an elbow brace at your first post-op appointment, and your sutures are typically removed 10 to 14 days after surgery. Early exercises include active motion of your shoulder, wrist and hand without pushing into painful range, shoulder shrugs and ice as needed. See the Postoperative Instructions.
Weeks 2 to 6
The goal is pain-free daily activities. You wear a counterforce brace, and therapy adds pain-free isometric exercises, hand squeezing with putty or a sponge, a low-resistance arm bike, an elliptical trainer with a light grip and a running progression. See the Physical Therapy Protocols page.
Weeks 6 to 12
The goals are full elbow motion, normal elbow strength and a return to full activities. Therapy adds resisted wrist and forearm exercises, regular push-ups and weight training, and you can stop wearing the counterforce brace at 12 weeks.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Tennis Elbow Surgery?
As with any surgery, there are potential risks. Possible risks and complications include:
- Infection
- Stiffness or loss of motion
- Persistent or recurring pain
- Weakness of grip
- Nerve or blood vessel injury
- Elbow instability
- Complications related to anesthesia
Your surgeon can discuss these risks and how they apply to you based on your individual condition, health and activity goals.
Why Choose Dr. Burns for Tennis Elbow Surgery in San Antonio, TX?
Travis C. Burns, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty fellowship training in orthopedic sports medicine through the John A. Feagin, Jr. Sports Medicine Fellowship. His practice centers on arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, hip and knee, which gives him a sports medicine perspective on getting you back to the activities that matter to you.
Dr. Burns previously served as Chief of Sports Medicine at San Antonio Military Medical Center, where his clinical focus was complex shoulder, hip and knee injuries. He has been active in research and academic medicine, including more than 35 peer-reviewed publications. You can meet with him at the Medical Center, Alamo Heights or Westover Hills office, depending on what is most convenient for you.
Tennis Elbow Surgery FAQs
What is ECRB debridement?
ECRB debridement is surgery for tennis elbow that removes damaged tissue from the ECRB tendon on the outside of your elbow so that pain can settle and the area can heal.
Do I need surgery for tennis elbow?
Usually not. Most people improve with rest, bracing, therapy and injections, and surgery is generally considered only when pain persists for many months.
Will I wear a brace after surgery?
Yes. You will wear a counterforce brace for 12 weeks after surgery.
When are stitches removed?
Typically 10 to 14 days after surgery.
When can I return to full activities?
Usually between 6 and 12 weeks, once you have full motion and normal elbow strength.
Tennis Elbow Surgery in San Antonio, TX
If pain on the outside of your elbow has lasted for months despite treatment, an evaluation can help you decide on next steps. Request an appointment in San Antonio with Dr. Burns at the Medical Center, Alamo Heights or Westover Hills office to discuss your tennis elbow surgery options. You can call (210) 705-5060 to schedule a visit.
