Elbow
Last reviewed
Elbow problems span tendinopathy and nerve compression (tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, cubital tunnel syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome), traumatic injuries (radial head fractures, olecranon fractures, distal biceps ruptures, elbow dislocations) and end-stage arthritis treated with elbow replacement. Most cases are managed non-operatively first — splinting, physiotherapy, corticosteroid injection, ergonomic adjustment — with surgery reserved for refractory pain, mechanical symptoms, persistent nerve dysfunction or unstable injuries. When surgery is required, options include open or arthroscopic tennis elbow release, cubital tunnel decompression with or without ulnar nerve transposition, distal biceps repair, fracture fixation, and elbow arthroplasty for end-stage joint destruction. Dr Hirpara's higher surgical training in Ireland and the United Kingdom covered the elbow alongside the shoulder, hand and wrist, and elbow cases sit alongside shoulder and hand work in the weekly operating list. The 16 topics below cover elbow anatomy, each condition's natural history, the operations available, and what recovery involves.
Conditions
Cubital Tunnel SyndromeCubital tunnel syndrome causes ulnar nerve compression at the elbow — symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Distal Biceps RuptureDistal biceps rupture causes sudden elbow pain, bruising, and weakness—often needing surgical repair.
Elbow InstabilityElbow ligamentous and bony instability, including dislocation and the terrible-triad pattern.
Elbow OsteoarthritisOsteoarthritis of the elbow — primary and post-traumatic, conservative and surgical options.
Golfer's ElbowGolfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) — causes, symptoms, and conservative treatment options.
Olecranon BursitisOlecranon bursitis — causes, symptoms, and when to seek urgent medical attention for infection.
Olecranon FractureOlecranon fractures — patterns, non-operative care, and tension-band or plate fixation.
Radial Head FractureRadial head fractures — Mason classification, conservative management, and indications for fixation or replacement.
Radial Tunnel SyndromeRadial tunnel syndrome — causes forearm pain, weakness straightening fingers, and is distinct from tennis elbow.
Tennis ElbowTennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) — causes, symptoms, and conservative treatment options for pain relief.
Operations
Cubital Tunnel ReleaseCubital tunnel release relieves ulnar nerve compression—addressing numbness/weakness in the ring & little fingers.
Distal Biceps RepairDistal biceps rupture repair — restoring elbow flexion strength and addressing the “Popeye” deformity.
Elbow ArthroplastyTotal elbow replacement — indications, implants, and recovery.- Radial Tunnel ReleaseRadial tunnel release relieves pain from PIN compression – distinct from tennis elbow, and how surgery helps.
Tennis Elbow ReleaseTennis elbow release surgery — for persistent pain despite physiotherapy and other conservative treatments.
