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Elbow Surgery

Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP

Orthopedic Surgery located in Houston, TX & The Greater Houston Area

When you’re suffering from elbow pain, you need the advanced skill of an orthopedic specialist. At Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP, with nine locations in Houston, Texas, and the greater Houston area, the skilled team of surgeons provides minimally invasive arthroscopic elbow surgery as well as traditional surgical techniques to help you find relief from your pain. Call Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP to schedule an appointment today.

Elbow Surgery Q & A

How does the elbow work?

Your elbow is a complicated joint formed by three bones. The top of the joint is your upper arm bone, or humerus, and the ulna and radius meet at the bottom of your elbow.

Cartilage covers the area where these three bones come together and act as a natural cushion to absorb forces in the joint. A smooth membrane of synovium also covers the surface. This synovial membrane lubricates the cartilage and reduces friction when you bend or rotate your arm. Muscles also surround your elbow joint.

When do I need elbow surgery?

If you’re experiencing a painful elbow condition that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments like rest, medications, or cortisone injections to reduce inflammation, your doctor might recommend surgery.

The most common causes of elbow pain are age-related wear-and-tear, overuse injuries, and trauma. In most cases, your doctor recommends elbow arthroscopy to treat damage affecting soft tissues and cartilage in the area.

Elbow arthroscopy typically treats:

  • Tennis elbow
  • Loose cartilage and bone fragments
  • Scar tissue constriction
  • Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Activity-related damage to part of the humerus


Some elbow surgeries, including golfer’s elbow, elbow joint replacement, and elbow fractures, respond better to traditional surgical procedures with a single incision.

What can I expect from elbow surgery?

During elbow arthroscopy, you typically receive general anesthesia, so you’re asleep during the entire procedure. After numbing the area, your doctor positions your elbow and makes a few small incisions to insert the arthroscope and small medical instruments used to perform your procedure.

You can typically return home the same day, and your doctor will work closely with you to manage any pain you may have throughout your recovery. They will also provide detailed instructions for your at-home care.

Recovering from arthroscopy is typically faster than recovery after a traditional surgery with a large incision. However, it may still take several weeks before you have completely regained full strength and range of motion in your elbow.

For more information on elbow surgery, call Southwest Orthopedic Group, LLP to schedule an appointment today.