Elbow Center

Orthopedic Elbow Surgery in Spartanburg, Duncan and Greenville, SC.

The Elbow Center at Carolina Orthopaedics & Neurosurgical Associates has highly-trained physicians who are experienced in the treatments of the elbows. Our specially-trained physicians provide advanced treatment for problems related to the elbow–from tennis elbow to chronic pain related to arthritis or other athletic injuries.

Injury, overuse, arthritis, traumatic fractures, and age-related wear & tear can cause elbow damage. Elbow damage can lead to pain and immensely affect your range of motion. The pain can cause difficulties in performing your daily activities.

If left untreated, symptoms may spread to other body parts like your shoulder. This is because your shoulder tries to overwork itself when your elbow is not functioning well.

There are a variety of elbow conditions and injuries that our specialists treat. Please contact our office, if you do not see the condition below.

Common Elbow Conditions

Elbow Pain

Elbow pain is a common type of pain that makes it difficult to perform many key upper extremity movements. The key to effective elbow pain treatment is identifying the cause. Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) elbow specialists accurately diagnosis the elbow pain cause and create a customized treatment plan to dramatically reduce pain and other unpleasant symptoms.
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Elbow Fractures

The olecranon, a part of the ulna forearm bone, is found at the tip of the elbow. An elbow fracture occurs when the olecranon breaks. An elbow fracture will not heal on its own and needs to be medically treated. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) elbow specialist should be made as soon as possible when elbow fracture symptoms are experienced after an elbow injury.
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Elbow Dislocation

A dislocated elbow occurs when the elbow bones are partially or completely separated. The injury is considered a medical emergency—the bones need to be put back in an anatomical position as soon as possible. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) elbow specialist should be made immediately after the injury.

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Epicondylitis

Epicondylitis is inflammation of the elbow tendons. There are two epicondylitis types:

Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). Inflammation of the tendons on the outside part of the elbow.
Medical epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow). Inflammation of the tendons on the inside part of the elbow.

Both types present with the same symptoms. Symptoms are dramatically reduced when an accurate diagnosis is made and an effective treatment plan is prescribed. Patients should make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) as soon as symptoms present.

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Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is inflammation of the tendons that insert on the outside (lateral) part of the elbow. Stick sports athletes and manual laborers commonly experience tennis elbow. Early tennis elbow treatment ensures symptom relief and a quick return to normal activities. Please make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) elbow specialist as soon as symptoms present.

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Elbow Bursitis

Elbow bursitis is inflammation of the elbow bursa—a fluid filled sac that cushions the elbow joint. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates (CONA) elbow specialist should be made when elbow bursitis symptoms are experienced.

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Ulnar Nerve Entrapment

Ulnar nerve entrapment or cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is entrapped in the area where it passes through the elbow bone. A tissue tunnel known as the cubital tunnel presses against the nerve and causes symptoms in the ring and little fingers. Patients who experience symptoms should make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) elbow specialist as soon as possible.

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Ruptured Biceps Tendon

The biceps is a long muscle that helps flex the arm. One of the biceps tendons inserts on the elbow. A biceps tendon rupture occurs when the tendon is torn from its insertion point. The injury is rare but serious. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) elbow specialist should be made as soon as possible.

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UCL Tear

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) stabilizes the inside part of the elbow joint. A partial or complete UCL tear is a serious injury that will not heal on its own. A Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) elbow specialist should see the injury as soon as possible.
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Elbow surgery is suggested only when all other options have been exhausted. Our Elbow Center Team is dedicated to treating patients with the most effective course of treatment available.

Common Elbow Treatments

Elbow Arthroscopy

Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that treats a variety of elbow conditions and injuries. Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) elbow specialists use the latest surgical techniques and instruments to perform procedures. Please make an appointment if you injure your elbow and would like to find out if elbow arthroscopy is the right treatment option for you.

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Total Elbow Replacement

Total elbow replacement is a surgical treatment option for severe elbow arthritis that does not improve after nonsurgical treatment. Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) upper extremity specialists perform total elbow replacement surgery.

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UCL Repair

Tennis elbow is inflammation of the tendons that insert on the outside (lateral) part of the elbow. Stick sports athletes and manual laborers commonly experience tennis elbow. Early tennis elbow treatment ensures symptom relief and a quick return to normal activities. Please make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) elbow specialist as soon as symptoms present.
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Elbow Tenotomy

Elbow tenotomy treats severe tennis and golfer’s elbow that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment. Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) upper extremity specialist perform endoscopic and traditional elbow tenotomy procedures.

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Symptoms of Elbow Problems

The symptoms of elbow problems may include:

Swelling
Numbness
Severe pain
Stiffness
Deformity of the elbow
Altered range of motion
Discoloration, bruising, or redness
A tight sensation in the area of the elbow
A cut or open wound due to a traumatic injury

When do you Need Elbow Surgery?

Most elbow problems can be relieved with nonsurgical treatments such as rest, physical therapy, medications, brace, injections, and other conservative treatments. But your elbow condition may not improve after these treatments and may worsen.

You may need elbow surgery when nonsurgical treatments are not helping you. Surgery can help you reduce pain and restore elbow function.

Living in pain and discomfort is not worth it when you can get long-term relief with surgery and return to doing the things you love. If you’re experiencing severe pain that worsens with elbow movements, stiffness, and an altered range of motion, it may be time for elbow surgery.

The Elbow Center at Carolina Orthopaedic & Neurosurgical Associates has highly-trained physicians who are experienced in the treatments of the elbows. Our specially-trained physicians provide advanced treatment, including:

How to Prepare for Elbow Surgery

The first thing is to see your primary doctor to be sure that there are no other medical conditions that need to be addressed before your surgery. If you are taking any medications or supplements, inform your orthopedic surgeon because you may be asked to stop taking some of them before your surgery. Some of these medications can cause you to bleed during surgery.

Your orthopedic surgeon may call for blood tests, an electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, or a more extensive evaluation to safely perform your elbow surgery. Make sure to follow the instructions on when to stop eating or drinking before your surgery.

If you smoke, you may want to stop because smoking can slow your healing and recovery. Try to shed a few pounds if you’re overweight.

Take note of things you need to do post-surgery, especially the changes that you need to make at home. For example, what things can you carry without help, what exercises can help with recovery, how long you should stay off work, etc?

At Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates (CONA), our board-certified physicians can help you get back to the things you love as fast as possible. Click the button below today to book an appointment at one of our locations:

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