Finding the right orthopedic surgeon in Deltona, Florida, is often the turning point when nagging elbow pain refuses to go away. While most residents associate tennis elbow with a swinging racquet at Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex, this condition frequently strikes anyone performing repetitive gripping motions, from landscapers tackling overgrown palmettos to mechanics on Enterprise Road. If you've been icing, bracing, and resting for months with no relief, you might be facing what doctors call "refractory" lateral epicondylitis.
What Is Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)?
Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a painful condition caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow.
It typically happens when the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB) tendon develops microscopic tears from repetitive stress. In Deltona's humid climate, we see this often in residents who spend hours gripping gardening tools or performing manual labor outdoors. The pain usually starts as a dull ache and progresses to sharp, burning sensations when you lift a coffee cup or turn a doorknob.
Symptoms include burning pain on the outer elbow and weak grip strength. While 1% to 3% of the population experiences this, it’s most common in people between ages 30 and 50 [1]. Before considering surgery, most patients—about 90% to 95%—find relief through non-surgical methods like:
- Rest and activity modification: Stopping the movement that causes pain.
- Physical therapy: Specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the forearm.
- Bracing: Using a counterforce brace (typically $20-$50 at local pharmacies) to relieve tension.
- Steroid injections: Cortisone shots to reduce inflammation temporarily.
When Does Tennis Elbow Require Surgery?
Surgery becomes a necessary discussion when symptoms persist for 6 to 12 months despite strict adherence to non-surgical treatments.
This persistence is what medical professionals call "refractory" lateral epicondylitis. It means the tendon damage has become chronic and the body’s natural healing process has stalled. If you’ve completed 3 months of physical therapy, tried bracing, and perhaps had a corticosteroid injection without lasting improvement, your orthopedic surgeon in Deltona, Florida, might recommend surgical intervention.
Here are the specific criteria we typically look for:
- Pain that limits daily activities (like lifting a gallon of milk).
- Failure of conservative treatment for at least 6 months.
- Severe pain upon direct touch of the elbow bone.
- Exclusion of other causes, such as nerve entrapment or arthritis.
It's rare to jump straight to surgery. We typically exhaust every other option first because conservative care is so effective for the vast majority of patients.
Understanding Your Surgical Options
There are two primary surgical approaches for treating refractory tennis elbow: open surgery and arthroscopic surgery. Both aim to remove the damaged tissue and reattach healthy muscle to the bone.
Open Surgery
This is the traditional method. Your surgeon makes an incision (usually 1 to 2 inches long) over the elbow. This allows them to visualize the tendon directly, remove the degenerated portion, and repair the healthy tendon back to the bone. It’s a proven procedure with a success rate of roughly 80% to 90% [2].
Pros:
- Allows the surgeon to see the full extent of the damage.
- Can address bone spurs if present.
Cons:
- Slightly longer recovery for the incision site.
- Potential for more scar tissue.
Arthroscopic Surgery
This minimally invasive option uses tiny incisions (portals) and a small camera (arthroscope) to look inside the joint. The surgeon uses specialized instruments to debride (remove) the damaged tissue.
Pros:
- Smaller incisions and less scarring.
- Typically allows for an earlier start to rehabilitation.
- Allows inspection of the joint for other issues like loose cartilage.
Cons:
- Requires highly specialized equipment and training.
- Technically more demanding for the surgeon.
In our experience serving Volusia County, both procedures yield excellent long-term results. The choice often depends on the specific nature of your injury and your surgeon's expertise.
What to Expect From the Surgery Process
Understanding the timeline helps you plan your life, especially if you have work or family commitments in Deltona.
Pre-Operative Preparation
Before surgery, you'll likely need standard blood work and medical clearance. You'll need to arrange for someone to drive you home, as you won't be able to drive immediately after the procedure due to anesthesia and arm limitations.
The Procedure
The surgery itself is typically an outpatient procedure performed at a surgery center or hospital. It usually takes less than an hour. You’ll be under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia (where your arm is numb).
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Here is a realistic timeline based on what we see with our patients:
- Weeks 0-2: Your arm will likely be in a splint or soft dressing. You’ll need to keep it elevated to reduce swelling. No lifting anything heavier than a piece of paper.
- Weeks 2-6: The splint is removed, and you may switch to a removable brace. You'll start gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness.
- Weeks 6-12: Strengthening exercises begin. This is crucial. Physical therapy will focus on rebuilding the forearm muscles without overstressing the healing tendon.
- Months 4-6: Return to full activities, including heavy lifting and sports.
Most patients report a significant reduction in pain within 4 to 6 weeks, but full recovery of strength can take 4 to 6 months.
Choosing the Right Orthopedic Surgeon in Deltona, Florida
Selecting a surgeon is a personal decision that impacts your long-term elbow function. You want someone who understands not just the anatomy, but your lifestyle.
When looking for an orthopedic surgeon in Deltona, Florida, consider these factors:
- Board Certification: Ensure your doctor is board-certified and has specific experience with upper extremity or elbow surgeries.
- Local Reputation: Ask neighbors in communities like Saxon Woods or Deltona Lakes. Word of mouth in Volusia County travels fast.
- Communication Style: You need a surgeon who listens. If they rush you out of the exam room without explaining why you need surgery, that's a red flag.
- Surgical Volume: Ask how many tennis elbow releases they perform annually. High-volume surgeons often have lower complication rates.
At Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute, we pride ourselves on a patient-first approach. We don't just treat X-rays; we treat people. Our team understands that surgery is a big decision, and we’re here to guide you through every step, from the initial consultation at our practice to your final physical therapy session.
Real Patient Success Stories
We recently treated a 45-year-old landscaper from Deltona who had suffered from lateral epicondylitis for over a year. He couldn't start his lawn mower or lift a bag of mulch without searing pain. After failing to see results from bracing and two rounds of injections, he opted for an open repair.
"I was terrified of surgery because I work with my hands," he told us. "But three months later, I was back on the job. Six months later, I didn't even think about my elbow anymore."
Another patient, a 52-year-old tennis enthusiast who plays regularly near Campbell Park, underwent arthroscopic release. She was back to putting light spin on the ball within four months and playing full matches by month six. These stories highlight that while surgery is a last resort, it effectively restores quality of life when conservative measures fail.
Making the Decision for Your Health
Living with chronic pain drains your energy and limits your life. If you can't pick up your grandkids or enjoy a weekend DIY project because of your elbow, it’s time to seek help.
If you believe you might be suffering from refractory tennis elbow, don't wait another 6 months hoping it will just go away. Schedule a consultation with an experienced orthopedic surgeon in Deltona, Florida at Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute today. We can evaluate your condition, review your history, and determine if surgery is the right path to get you back to full strength.
Contact Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute
Phone: (386) 775-2012
Location: Serving Deltona and Central Florida
Restoring Function in Volusia County
Refractory tennis elbow doesn't have to be a permanent sentence of pain and limitation. While the journey involves patience—often a year or more from symptom onset to surgical recovery—the destination is a pain-free arm and a return to the activities you love. Whether that's gardening in your backyard or playing a match at the local courts, effective treatment is available right here in your community.
By partnering with a skilled orthopedic surgeon in Deltona, Florida, you ensure that your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs, giving you the best chance at a full recovery.
References
[1] American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)". OrthoInfo.
[2] Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. "Surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial comparing open and arthroscopic techniques".