Elbow surgery may be considered when a tendon tear, fracture, nerve condition, or other structural problem causes significant weakness, instability, pain, or loss of function. Many conditions first improve with bracing, activity modification, medication, or therapy.
Conditions That May Require Surgery
Distal biceps tendon tears can cause bruising, deformity, and weakness bending the elbow or rotating the palm upward. Surgery may be recommended for active patients who need strength restored. Prompt evaluation matters because delayed repair can become more complex as the tendon scars and shortens.
Triceps tendon tears can impair active elbow extension. Complete tears or partial tears with substantial weakness may require repair.
Nerve compression can cause numbness, tingling, hand weakness, and loss of coordination. Decompression may be considered when nonsurgical treatment fails or neurologic deficits progress.
Fractures and dislocations may require surgery when displaced, unstable, open, or joint-involving.
Planning and Recovery
The provider assesses motion, stability, tendon function, strength, circulation, and nerve function. Same-day X-rays may be completed in the office. MRI or nerve-conduction testing may be ordered externally. Tendon and fracture surgery can require protection followed by progressive motion and strengthening.
Locations
Surgical consultations and follow-up visits are available through our clinics in New Braunfels, Seguin, Cuero, Kenedy, Hallettsville, and Yoakum. Surgery may be performed at affiliated facilities, including Resolute Health and Guadalupe Regional Medical Center, depending on the surgeon, procedure, and patient needs.