Golfer’s Elbow and Flexor Mass Tendon Surgeon

Do you regularly participate in sports like golf, racquet sports or activities that require repetitive elbow motions? If so, you are at an elevated risk of developing a condition known as medial epicondylitis or golfer’s elbow. Medial elbow epicondylitis causes pain on the inner elbow that worsens with lifting or gripping activities. Medial epicondylitis and flexor mass tendon repair surgeon, Doctor Riley J. Williams provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City and surrounding areas who have symptoms of a torn flexor mass tendon. Contact Dr. Williams’ team today!

What is medial epicondylitis repair?

Medial epicondylitis repair is surgical treatment for golfer’s elbow and/or a flexor mass tendon tear.  Overuse of the muscles and tendons in the elbow can lead to tendinitis, inflammation, and pain. When a tendon is put under repetitive stress and becomes inflamed, tears can occur. Medial epicondylitis occurs when the flexor muscles and their tendon attachments separate from bone. Medial epicondylitis repair and flexor mass tendon repair is a treatment that reattaches these tendons back to bone. Dr. Riley J. Williams, orthopedic elbow surgeon, serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City, NY and surrounding areas, has extensive experience in performing medial epicondylitis repair, flexor mass tendon repair and successfully treating other types of elbow injuries.

Golfer's Elbow | Manhattan NY

What is medial epicondylitis or golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow is a form of elbow tendinitis, and is classified as pain and inflammation on the medial (inside) of the elbow. Medial epicondylitis can be caused by repetitive movements, such as swinging a golf club or throwing a baseball. Overuse of the group of tendons called the flexor mass can cause micro-trauma and result in medial epicondylitis.

What is a flexor mass tendon tear?

The flexor mass is a group of muscles and tendons located in the forearm near the elbow. This group of muscles and tendons flex the wrist, hand and fingers. The flexor mass can become strained with overuse; strains can lead to inflammation and tears.  This is the group of muscles and tendons associated with golfer’s elbow. A flexor mass tendon tear occurs when the tendon pulls away from the bone at the attachment site on the elbow.

How are medial epicondylitis and flexor mass repairs performed?

These surgical procedures are done using regional anesthesia and are done in the outpatient setting, meaning the surgery does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. During the procedure, Dr. Williams removes the areas of damaged tendon, and cleans out scar tissue. The remaining healthy tendon is reattached to the medial epicondyle of the elbow. The tendon is reattached to the bone using small drill holes or small devices called suture anchors. The tendon is secured using sutures to the original footprint of the tendon.

What are the risks of surgery?

Surgical procedures, such as medical epicondylitis repair and flexor mass tendon repair , come with certain risks.  Although very rare, some risks may include:

  • Infection
  • Hematoma (bruising)
  • Elbow ligament injury

How long does it take to recover from medial epicondylitis repair?

Once surgery is completed, the patient will need to be in a splint for one week. Range of motion exercise and physical therapy start the second week following surgery. Strength training exercises can start at approximately six weeks after the surgical repair. Three to four months after surgery, the patient will be allowed to return to their sporting activities. It typically takes around 4-6 months to recover from golfer’s elbow repair.

For additional resources on medial epicondylitis repair, flexor mass tendon repair or to have your elbow pain evaluated, please contact the office of Dr. Riley J. Williams, MD, orthopedic elbow surgeon serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City, NY and surrounding areas.

Locations

HSS Sports Medicine Institute West Side
610 W 58th Street
New York, NY 10019

HSS Brooklyn
148 39th Street, 7th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11232

Office Hours

Monday-Friday: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Fax: 212-774-2895