top of page

Complex Elbow

Dizajn bez naslova (92).jpg
  • Complex elbow conditions encompass a wide array of treatments, including procedures such as ligamentous reconstructions (e.g., UCL reconstruction or "Tommy John" surgery), radial head or coronoid fracture fixation, joint arthroplasty (total or partial elbow replacement), osteochondral defect repair, arthroscopic debridement, nerve decompression (e.g., cubital tunnel release), and tendon transfers (e.g., for chronic tendon injuries or ruptures). These complex elbow issues often require a comprehensive evaluation and a tailored treatment plan that may involve a combination of surgical interventions, rehabilitation, and ongoing management to restore stability, range of motion, and function of the elbow joint.

Elbow Arthroscopy:

• Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to access and visualize the inside of the elbow joint. This is accomplished by inserting a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the elbow joint through a small incision. The arthroscope displays the inside of the joint on a monitor, allowing the surgeon to diagnose and treat various conditions of the elbow.  During an elbow arthroscopy, the patient is placed under anesthesia and small incisions are made in the elbow area. The arthroscope is then inserted into one of the incisions, and small surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions. The surgeon can then examine the joint and perform any necessary procedures.

Distal Biceps Repair:

• Distal biceps repair is a surgical procedure to reattach the distal biceps tendon to the forearm bone. The distal biceps tendon is the thick band of tissue that connects the biceps muscle to the radial tuberosity, a small bump on the radius bone in the forearm. The distal biceps tendon can be torn or ruptured from its attachment site due to injury or degeneration.  During the distal biceps repair surgery, the patient will be given general anesthesia or regional anesthesia to numb the arm. The surgeon will make an incision over the elbow joint to expose the torn or ruptured distal biceps tendon. The damaged tendon will be carefully removed from its attachment site on the radial tuberosity. The surgeon will then prepare the bone surface by removing any scar tissue and debris, and may drill small holes into the bone to promote healing.  Next, the surgeon will reattach the distal biceps tendon to the radial tuberosity using specialized sutures and anchors. These anchors are usually made of biocompatible materials such as titanium or absorbable polymers, and are designed to hold the tendon securely in place while it heals to the bone. The surgeon will carefully tension the tendon to restore proper alignment and function of the biceps muscle.

Triceps Repair:

• Triceps repair is a surgical procedure to fix a tear or rupture in the triceps tendon, which connects the triceps muscle to the elbow bone. The triceps muscle is the large muscle on the back of your upper arm that helps you straighten your elbow.  The triceps tendon can tear or rupture due to injury or overuse, which can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty moving the arm. This condition is more common in athletes who participate in sports that involve throwing or pushing, but it can also happen in anyone who experiences a sudden injury or trauma to the elbow.  During the surgery, the orthopaedic surgeon will make an incision in the back of the arm and reattach the torn tendon to the elbow bone using stitches or anchors. The surgery may be done through open surgery or arthroscopically, which is a minimally invasive technique that uses small incisions and a camera to guide the surgery.

UCL Reconstruction/Tommy John Surgery:

• Tommy John surgery, also known as UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) reconstruction, is a surgical procedure to repair a torn UCL in the elbow. The UCL is a ligament on the inner side of the elbow that helps to stabilize the joint during throwing motions.  This type of injury is commonly seen in baseball pitchers and other throwing athletes, and can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty with throwing or gripping.  During the surgery, Dr Jildeh will take a graft from another tendon in the patient's body, and use it to reconstruct the torn UCL in the elbow. The graft is then secured to the bones using anchors and sutures. 

Elbow Ligament Repair:

• Elbow ligament repair is a surgical procedure to repair a damaged or torn ligament in the elbow. The elbow joint is stabilized by several ligaments, which can be injured due to traumatic injury or repetitive stress. Common causes of elbow ligament injuries include sports, such as tennis or golf, or occupational activities that involve repetitive elbow movements, such as plumbing or carpentry.

Tennis Elbow Surgery:

• Common extensor tendon origin repair
Tennis elbow surgery, also known as lateral epicondylitis release surgery, is a procedure to repair a damaged tendon on the outer side of the elbow. This condition, called tennis elbow, is a form of tendonitis that occurs when the tendon that attaches to the lateral epicondyle (a bony bump on the outer side of the elbow) becomes inflamed and painful. Tennis elbow is commonly caused by repetitive motion or overuse of the wrist and forearm, and is often seen in people who play racquet sports or perform manual labor.

Golfer's Elbow Surgery:

• Golfer's elbow surgery, also known as medial epicondylitis release surgery, is a procedure to repair a damaged tendon on the inner side of the elbow. This condition, called golfer's elbow, is a form of tendonitis that occurs when the tendon that attaches to the medial epicondyle (a bony bump on the inner side of the elbow) becomes inflamed and painful.  Golfer's elbow is commonly caused by repetitive motion or overuse of the wrist and forearm, and is often seen in people who play golf, tennis, or perform manual labor.

Ulnar Nerve Transposition:

• Ulnar nerve transposition is a surgical procedure to relocate the ulnar nerve from its original position behind the elbow to a new location in front of the elbow. The ulnar nerve is one of the major nerves in the arm that runs from the neck down to the hand and is responsible for controlling movement and sensation in the forearm and hand.  The ulnar nerve can become compressed or irritated at the elbow, causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers. Ulnar nerve transposition is performed to alleviate these symptoms by moving the nerve to a location where it is less likely to become compressed.  During the surgery, Dr Jildeh will make an incision at the elbow and carefully move the ulnar nerve to a new location in front of the elbow.

Common Extensor Tendon Origin Repair:

• Common extensor tendon origin repair is a surgical procedure that involves reattaching the torn extensor tendons to their original insertion point on the lateral epicondyle. This surgery can restore strength and function to the extensor muscles, reduce pain, and improve elbow mobility.

bottom of page