Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) Surgery
Tennis elbow — medically known as lateral epicondylitis — is one of the most common overuse conditions affecting the elbow, caused by inflammation or microscopic tearing of the tendons that attach the forearm extensor muscles to the lateral epicondyle, the bony prominence on the outer side of the joint. Despite its name, this elbow injury affects far more than tennis players. It is frequently seen in golfers, weightlifters, manual laborers, office workers who use a mouse or keyboard for extended periods, and anyone who performs repetitive gripping, twisting, or wrist-extension movements. Symptoms typically include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow that worsens with lifting, gripping, or turning a doorknob, weakness in the forearm and hand, and warmth or swelling around the joint. Without proper treatment, tennis elbow can become a chronic condition that progressively limits arm function and quality of life.
Dr. Jonathan Glashow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, sports medicine specialist, and Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, with over 30 years of experience treating overuse and repetitive-stress injuries of the upper extremity. A member of the Society for Tennis Medicine and the Arthroscopy Association of North America, he brings a deep understanding of the biomechanics behind lateral epicondylitis — and as Chief Medical Officer for the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers, he routinely manages tendon injuries in professional athletes who require rapid, reliable recovery. Named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2000 and a New York Magazine “Best Doctor” multiple times over, Dr. Glashow takes a conservative-first approach to tennis elbow at his Upper East Side practice, reserving surgical intervention for cases that do not respond to non-operative care.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
The most common symptoms of tennis elbow are:
- Pain over the outside of the elbow
- Pain when lifting objects
- Pain radiating down the forearm
- Warmth and swelling of the elbow
Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment Options
When conservative treatment has failed to alleviate your Tennis Elbow, then orthopedic surgery is indicated. The most popular and contemporary procedure for Tennis Elbow today is a simple excision of diseased tissue from within the tendon, shaving down the bone and re-attachment of the tendon. This can be performed as an outpatient procedure with regional anesthesia. Various options for your particular case will be discussed with you to determine which surgical option is best suited for you.
If tennis elbow pain is limiting your ability to play, work, or perform everyday activities, Dr. Glashow and his orthopedic team can provide an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to the severity of your condition and your goals for recovery. Whether your case responds to conservative care — including physical therapy, bracing, and injection therapy — or requires surgical intervention after other approaches have been exhausted, you will receive the same individualized, expert-level attention that professional athletes trust. With same-day imaging, same-day and next-day appointments, and after-hours and weekend availability, getting started on the path to relief doesn’t require a long wait. Contact our Upper East Side practice to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennis Elbow
What is the difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?
Both are overuse tendon conditions at the elbow, but they affect opposite sides of the joint. Tennis elbow — lateral epicondylitis — involves the tendons on the outer side of the elbow that control wrist extension and forearm rotation. Golfer’s elbow — medial epicondylitis — affects the tendons on the inner side that control wrist flexion and grip. The location of the pain is the clearest distinguishing factor, and Dr. Glashow can differentiate between the two during a clinical examination.
Do I need an MRI to diagnose tennis elbow?
In many cases, tennis elbow can be diagnosed through a physical examination and patient history alone. Dr. Glashow assesses the specific location of tenderness, tests grip strength, and evaluates pain response during wrist extension to confirm the diagnosis. An MRI may be ordered when symptoms are severe, when the condition has not responded to initial treatment, or when Dr. Glashow needs to rule out other causes of elbow pain such as ligament damage, loose bodies, or nerve compression. Same-day imaging is available at his Upper East Side practice.
Can tennis elbow heal without surgery?
Yes — and the majority of cases do. Most patients with tennis elbow respond well to conservative treatment, which may include rest and activity modification, counterforce bracing, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy focused on forearm stretching and progressive strengthening, and in some cases corticosteroid or PRP injections to reduce inflammation and support tendon healing. Dr. Glashow exhausts non-surgical options before recommending any procedural intervention, and most patients experience significant improvement within several weeks to a few months of structured treatment.
When is tennis elbow surgery recommended?
Surgery is typically considered only after six to twelve months of consistent conservative treatment has failed to provide meaningful relief. Dr. Glashow may recommend a lateral epicondyle release — which involves excising the damaged, degenerative tissue within the tendon, smoothing the bone surface, and reattaching the healthy tendon — or in some cases an arthroscopic approach depending on the extent of the damage. Both procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and have high success rates for patients with chronic, refractory lateral epicondylitis.
What does recovery look like after tennis elbow surgery?
Most patients begin gentle range-of-motion exercises within the first one to two weeks after surgery. Progressive forearm strengthening typically begins around four to six weeks, and most patients return to daily activities within two to three weeks. A full return to sports, heavy lifting, or repetitive manual work generally takes three to four months. Dr. Glashow coordinates each patient’s rehabilitation with physical therapists to ensure grip strength and tendon integrity are fully restored before advancing to demanding activities.
How can I prevent tennis elbow from recurring?
Recurrence is common if the mechanical factors that caused the condition are not addressed. Dr. Glashow recommends maintaining a regular forearm stretching and strengthening program, using proper technique and appropriately sized equipment during racquet sports, taking regular breaks during repetitive manual or desk work, using an ergonomic workstation setup, and gradually increasing training intensity or work volume rather than making sudden changes. Addressing these factors proactively is the most effective long-term strategy for protecting the tendon.
