Elbow

Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons complete an additional year of specialized training after medical school and a five-year residency. This extra year focuses on a specific subspecialty, allowing them to gain deep expertise through concentrated surgical, clinical, and research experience.

Patients seeing our fellowship-trained elbow orthopedic surgeon at UTMB benefit from care provided by a highly qualified expert in this specific area. Our specialist's membership in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) further highlights their advanced training and clinical expertise.

The initial visit will include a comprehensive medical history evaluation and full examination of the area concerned by one of our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons. Additional diagnostic imaging such an X-ray or MRI may be necessary to assist in determining a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis has been determined, your surgeon will develop a treatment plan that may include medication, injections, physical therapy, or surgery.

Your doctor will discuss pre-operative instructions and details about your operation and recovery treatment plan prior to your operation. Generally, procedures for the elbow are completed in a day and don’t require an overnight stay at the hospital. Upon discharge, assistive devices, such as a brace, sling, or splint to immobilize the joint, will be provided by our UTMB staff. Also, conveniently located at our Galveston, League City, and Clear Lake campuses are outpatient pharmacies prepared to fill any post-operative pain management medications you are prescribed upon discharge.

Elbow pain often stems from overuse injuries, such as tendinitis, bursitis, or nerve compression. It can also result from acute injuries like fractures, dislocations, or ligament sprains. Arthritis, though less common in the elbow than other joints, can also be a cause.

It's advisable to see an orthopedic specialist if your elbow pain is severe, persistent, or significantly limits your daily activities. You should also seek medical attention if you experience numbness or tingling in your hand or fingers, weakness, visible deformity, or if the pain resulted from a direct injury or fall.

Many elbow conditions respond well to conservative treatments. These often include rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility, bracing or splinting, and activity modification. In some cases, corticosteroid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may be considered.

Recovery time varies significantly depending on the specific surgery performed. Generally, you can expect a period of immobilization (e.g., in a sling or cast), followed by a structured physical therapy program to regain range of motion, strength, and function. Full recovery can take several weeks to many months. We’ll provide you with a personalized rehabilitation plan.

Prevention strategies include proper warm-up before physical activity, using correct technique during sports or repetitive tasks, gradually increasing activity intensity, and incorporating strength and flexibility exercises for the forearm and shoulder into your routine. Listening to your body and resting when experiencing discomfort are also important.