Are you dealing with an elbow injury, such as a fracture or torn ligament, or do you suffer from chronic tendonitis or arthritis? Elbow surgery may be an option to restore function and reduce pain. At Advanced Orthopaedic Associates, P.A., we know surgery is a big decision, and we’ll guide you through the process with care and compassion.Â
Our highly skilled surgeons provide many orthopaedic services to people in Wichita, Wellington, and Winfield, Kansas, including surgical and nonsurgical elbow treatments. All our physicians are fellowship-trained and board-certified, and many of them are sub-specialized in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery. Our goal is to help you regain the mobility and comfort you need for your active lifestyle.
Types of Elbow Surgery We Offer
We perform a variety of elbow surgeries, depending on your condition. Some of the most common ones include:
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure where we use a small camera and tools to repair the inside of your elbow joint.
- Ligament Reconstruction: If you’ve torn a ligament, we can reconstruct it to restore stability to your elbow.
- Tendon Repair: For those with tendon damage, this surgery can fix the injury and help improve function.
Our team is skilled in these procedures and will work with you to ensure the best care possible, using advanced techniques to speed up recovery and get you back to your routine.
What to Expect During Surgery
Every elbow surgery is different, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect on the day of your surgery:
- Pre-Surgery Preparation: You’ll be asked to stop eating and drinking for a certain amount of time before the procedure.Â
- Anesthesia: You’ll either receive general anesthesia (which puts you to sleep) or regional anesthesia (which numbs the area around your elbow).
- Incisions: Depending on the type of surgery, your surgeon will make either small or larger incisions to access your elbow joint.
- Surgical Procedure: The surgeon will repair the damage to your elbow, whether it’s fixing a ligament, tendon, or joint.
- Post-Surgery Care: After the procedure, you’ll wake up in a recovery room. We’ll monitor you as the anesthesia wears off.
- Discharge: Most elbow surgeries are outpatient procedures, so you’ll be able to go home the same day. You’ll need someone to drive you home due to the anesthesia.
Post-Surgery Care and Rehab
Taking care of your elbow after surgery is essential to a full recovery. You can expect the following:
- Follow instructions for managing pain and keeping your elbow clean.
- Rest your elbow and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks.Â
- Perform recommended exercises to aid recovery and improve movement.
We’re here to guide and support you through your recovery. Our goal is to help you return to your active lifestyle confidently!
Non-Surgical Elbow Treatments Offered Before Considering Surgery
Before recommending surgery, we often start with proven non-surgical treatments. These include:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP injections use your concentrated blood platelets to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation, especially for tendon-related conditions.
- Steroid Injections:Â Cortisone shots can provide fast relief from pain and swelling, though effects are temporary and you can only have a limited number of injections per year.
- Physical Therapy: Guided exercises improve strength, flexibility, and joint stability. Therapy can be highly effective for conditions like tennis elbow or overuse injuries.
In many cases, these treatments provide enough relief to avoid surgery. However, if you still have pain and movement issues, our renowned elbow surgeons have you covered.
Comparing Arthroscopic vs. Open Elbow Surgery
When surgery is needed, we offer both arthroscopic and open approaches.
- Arthroscopic surgery involves small incisions and a miniature camera to treat issues within the joint. This minimally invasive method typically leads to faster recovery and less scarring. It's ideal for removing loose bodies (such as bone fragments,) treating tendon problems, or alleviating symptoms of mild arthritis.
- Open surgery features longer incisions and direct vizualization during the procedure. It's often required for more complex conditions like severe fractures, full ligament tears, or elbow replacements. This technique allows for greater access to the joint when precise repairs are needed.
Your surgeon at Advanced Orthopaedic Associates, P.A. will recommend the optimal strategy for your unique diagnosis and recovery goals.
What to Expect During Elbow Rehab and Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation is key after surgery. Most patients begin light motion exercises within the first week or two. Physical therapy gradually helps you reclaim motion, strength, and function. Recovery times vary with the injury, surgery type, and individual patient. Some patients return to full activity in a few weeks while others may need several months.
Elbow Surgery for Athletes: Sports Injuries and Performance Recovery
Athletes commonly experience elbow injuries from overuse or direct impact. We treat conditions like UCL tears, tennis elbow, fractures, and tendon ruptures. Surgeries like Tommy John (UCL reconstruction) are often necessary for throwing athletes who want to return to their sport safely. Following a customized rehabilitation regimen, most athletes return to their previous performance levels.
Cost & Insurance Coverage for Elbow Surgery in Kansas
Costs vary based on the type of elbow surgery and insurance coverage. Most medically necessary elbow surgeries are covered by insurance (minus deductibles and co-pays.) Our team can help you understand your coverage and expected costs during your consultation.
Why Choose Advanced Orthopaedic Associates, P.A.?
At Advanced Orthopaedic Associates, P.A., you’ll be in the hands of the best orthopaedic surgeons in Wichita for elbow surgery. Our specialists provide exceptional care for a wide range of elbow conditions using advanced surgical techniques and treatment plans. Whether you're dealing with a sports injury, chronic pain, or trauma, we are here to help restore your mobility and improve your quality of life.
Our team consists of all board-certified orthopaedic surgeons, including:
These surgeons specialize in elbow surgery and upper extremities. With their expertise, you can trust that your elbow health is in excellent care. Take a moment to explore their profiles and find the Kansas surgeon who best fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several non-surgical treatments that can help relieve pain and improve mobility. These include:
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen your elbow and improve movement.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce pain and swelling.
- Injections: Steroid or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections can target inflammation and promote healing.
We’ll explore these options with you to determine if they’re the right solution for your condition.
If other treatments haven’t worked and you’re still in pain, elbow surgery may be a good option to improve your quality of life.
Recovery typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on your surgery and how well you follow your rehab plan.
Yes, after completing your recovery and physical therapy, most patients can return to sports and other activities.
Yes, your surgeon will provide instructions, which may include stopping certain medications and arranging transportation for the day of your surgery.
In general, our surgeons may recommend elbow surgery if you have persistent pain or dysfunction after trying conservative care, such as physical therapy and injections. Or, in cases of severe trauma, the body may not be able to heal naturally, but surgery can repair the damage.
Arthroscopic elbow surgery may be the ideal choice for patients experiencing issues like loose bodies, mild arthritis, or chronic tendonitis.
Yes, in fact, physical therapy is essential to regain motion and strength. Our surgeons frequently also recommend pre-hab (conditioning before the surgery) as it can promote improved recoveries.
Most patients recover well. But, as with any surgical procedure, risks exist, including infection, nerve irritation, stiffness, and rare complications.
Many athletes return fully to their sport after completing physical therapy and meeting recovery goals. It's more important than ever to follow a comprehensive recovery protocol after surgery when you're looking to return to high-impact sports.
Ready to Get Started?
Elbow surgery can get you back to doing what you love. If you’ve been suffering from elbow pain or an injury, we’re here to help.
Call Advanced Orthopaedic Associates, P.A. at (316) 631-1600 to schedule your appointment. We proudly serve Wichita, Wellington, Winfield, and the surrounding areas in Kansas.