Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
short term
low

Wound infection is rare, but more common following open than arthroscopic surgery.[81]

long term
low

Patients prone to keloid formation may have unsightly scars.

Keloid

variable
low

Retrospective analysis of patients with lateral epicondylitis who have undergone open debridement of the extensor carpi radialis brevis demonstrated a 15% decrease in grip strength.[4]

variable
low

Postoperative assessment at 10-14 years indicates that a few patients (<10%) with epicondylitis may have a slight decrease in range of motion following surgical intervention.[84]

variable
low

The ulnar nerve on the medial side of the elbow poses the greatest risk with medial epicondylitis surgery.

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer