About Epicondyle Removal
Key Highlights
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Alleviates chronic elbow pain and discomfort in children and adolescents.Restores normal range of motion and function to the elbow joint.Prevents long-term complications like joint instability or deformity.Performed by specialized pediatric orthopedic surgeons familiar with growing bones.Minimally invasive techniques often lead to smaller scars and faster recovery.Can resolve conditions unresponsive to non-surgical treatments like rest and physical therapy./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Medial epicondylar apophysitis (Little League elbow) unresponsive to conservative care.
- Symptomatic nonunion or malunion of a medial or lateral epicondylar fracture.
- Chronic avulsion injuries of the epicondyle causing persistent pain.
- Entrapment of the ulnar nerve (cubital tunnel syndrome) associated with a displaced epicondyle.
- Osteochondritis dissecans or other osteochondral lesions affecting the epicondyle.
- Persistent pain and functional limitation interfering with daily activities or sports.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including physical exam, X-rays, and possibly an MRI or CT scan.
- Discussion of medical history, allergies, and current medications with the surgical team.
- Pre-operative blood tests and other assessments to ensure fitness for anesthesia.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before surgery as instructed by the anesthesiologist.
- Arranging for post-operative care and transportation home after hospital discharge.
- Mental preparation for the child, explaining the procedure in an age-appropriate manner.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard surgical risks: infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Nerve injury, potentially affecting sensation or muscle function around the elbow.
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the elbow joint.
- Persistent pain or failure to relieve the original symptoms.
- Heterotopic ossification (abnormal bone growth in soft tissues).
- Recurrence of the condition or need for further surgery.
- Growth plate disturbance (if the physis is involved), though surgeons take great care to avoid this.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial immobilization with a splint or cast for 1-2 weeks to protect the surgical site.
- Pain management with prescribed medications and ice application to reduce swelling.
- Gradual initiation of gentle, guided physical therapy to restore mobility and strength.
- Strict adherence to weight-bearing and activity restrictions as advised by the surgeon.
- Follow-up appointments for wound check, suture removal, and progress monitoring via X-rays.
- A gradual return to normal activities and sports, typically over several months, under medical guidance.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks for full functional recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering epicondyle removal in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform epicondyle removal. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for epicondyle removal compare across other countries where we have data.
Anjali Smith is a 12-year-old competitive...
Anjali Smith is a 12-year-old competitive gymnast who has been training since she was 5. For the past 18 months, she has been struggling with persistent, sharp pain on the inner side of her right elbow, diagnosed as medial epicondylitis ("golfer's elbow"). Despite six months of rigorous physical therapy, activity modification, and a corticosteroid injection, the pain returned every time she resumed her uneven bars routine. Her pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Chen, explained that the repetitive stress had caused a chronic avulsion injury of the medial epicondyle growth plate. He recommended an epicondyle removal (medial epicondylectomy) to excise the painful bony prominence and the damaged tendon attachment, relieving pressure on the ulnar nerve. Anjali was terrified the surgery would end her gymnastics career. The procedure was performed arthroscopically. The post-op recovery involved 4 weeks in a splint, followed by 3 months of dedicated rehabilitation. After 6 months, she was cleared to return to training. While she had to rebuild strength, the debilitating pain was gone. Anjali's emotional journey was a rollercoaster, from the fear of losing her identity as an athlete to the frustration of recovery, culminating in profound relief and a renewed, albeit more cautious, passion for her sport.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Epicondyle Removal
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform epicondyle removal and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata