Tennis Elbow Surgery: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Tennis Elbow Surgery?
An orthopedic surgeon, a surgeon who treats bones, joints, and tendons, performs tennis elbow surgery. Primary care doctors, physical or occupational therapists, and, in some cases, surgeons work together. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition of the elbow caused by overuse. The tendons on the outside of the elbow wear down. Sometimes they get tiny tears. Tendons are strong cords that connect muscle to bone.
Most tennis elbow surgery removes diseased tendon and reattaches healthy tendon to bone. The most common approach is open surgery, which uses a cut over the outside of the elbow. Arthroscopic surgery uses miniature instruments and small cuts instead.
Why a doctor might recommend it
About 80 to 95% of people get better with treatment that does not involve surgery. Your doctor may suggest surgery after 6 to 12 months if nonsurgical treatment has not helped.
How to prepare
For elbow arthroscopy, common steps include the following.
- Your surgeon may ask you to see your primary doctor first.
- This is to make sure you have no medical problems that need care before surgery.
- Blood tests or a chest X-ray may be needed to safely perform the surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about all medicines and supplements you take.
- You may need to stop some of them before surgery, so ask your surgeon which ones.
What happens during it
In elbow arthroscopy, the steps include the following.
- The surgeon puts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the elbow joint.
- The surgeon makes several small cuts for the camera and small instruments.
- The cuts are usually stitched or covered with skin tapes, and a dressing is applied.
You may get general anesthesia, which means you are put to sleep with a breathing tube. A nerve block that numbs your arm can also be used.
Recovery
Open surgery is usually outpatient surgery, so you go home the same day. Arthroscopic surgery is also a same-day procedure. Your arm may be held still in a splint for a short time. About 1 week later, the stitches and splint are removed. You then begin exercises to stretch the elbow and restore flexibility. Light, gradual strengthening exercises start about 2 months after surgery. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to athletic activity. This is usually 4 to 6 months after surgery. After elbow arthroscopy, ice and elevate your elbow regularly for 48 hours.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, fainting, or bleeding that will not stop. Also call 911 or go to the emergency room for chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, or for coughing up or vomiting blood.
Risks and side effects
As with any surgery, there are risks with tennis elbow surgery. The most common risks include the following.
- Infection.
- Nerve and blood vessel damage.
- Possible prolonged rehabilitation.
- Loss of strength.
- Loss of flexibility.
- The need for further surgery.
Tennis elbow surgery is considered successful in 80 to 90% of patients. However, it is not uncommon to lose some strength.
Who performs it
An orthopedic surgeon performs tennis elbow surgery. In most cases, treatment for tennis elbow involves a team approach. Talk to your doctor about the options. Ask about the results your doctor has achieved and the risks of each procedure.
Common questions
When can I play sports again after tennis elbow surgery?
It is usually 4 to 6 months after surgery. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to athletic activity. After the splint is removed, you begin exercises to stretch the elbow and restore flexibility.
Do I stay in the hospital after tennis elbow surgery?
You usually go home the same day, because open surgery is usually outpatient surgery.
Do most people with tennis elbow need surgery?
No, most people get better with treatment that does not involve surgery. Surgery may be an option if you still have tennis elbow after 6 to 12 months.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- NHS - Tennis elbow
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Elbow Arthroscopy
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
