What is Elbow Surgery?

Orthopedic elbow surgery includes procedures designed to repair damaged tendons, ligaments, cartilage, or bone within the elbow joint. Common causes of elbow issues include repetitive motion injuries, trauma, or degeneration from arthritis. Surgery may be performed arthroscopically or via open techniques, depending on the diagnosis.

From treating complex sports injuries to chronic tendon pain, Dr. Lehman offers surgical options that restore motion, reduce pain, and prevent long-term damage.

Benefits of Elbow Surgery

Choosing surgery can bring lasting relief and functional improvement, especially when non-surgical treatments fail.

Key benefits include:

  • Pain relief from chronic inflammation or tendon injury
  • Improved range of motion and flexibility
  • Stability restoration for unstable or injured joints
  • Quicker return to work, sports, and daily activities
  • Minimally invasive options for less scarring and faster recovery
  • Long-term prevention of further joint deterioration

Dr. Lehman plans every procedure around your goals for recovery, lifestyle, and athletic performance.

Conditions treated with
Elbow Surgery

Dr. Lehman treats a wide range of elbow conditions, including:

  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  • Elbow ligament tears (UCL injuries)
  • Elbow fractures or dislocations
  • Osteoarthritis of the elbow
  • Elbow instability
  • Cartilage damage
  • Nerve entrapments (e.g., ulnar nerve)

Looking for Tommy John Surgery?

Dr. Lehman is a nationally recognized provider of Tommy John surgery (UCL reconstruction), particularly for athletes looking to return to high-level throwing sports.

An athlete holding her elbow in apparent discomfort, suffering from an elbow injury

Our approach to Elbow Surgery

Dr. Lehman brings decades of experience treating elite athletes and active individuals with complex elbow conditions. His approach combines cutting-edge imaging, advanced surgical techniques, and personalized rehab strategies.

At Lehman Joint and Performance, we offer:

  • Comprehensive evaluations with on-site imaging
  • Precision surgical planning and patient education
  • Access to minimally invasive and arthroscopic options
  • Collaborative performance rehabilitation support for long-term success

Your specialist

Portrait of Dr Rick Lehman

Dr. Rick Lehman

Patient Testimonials

""

After tearing my ACL, I though my competitive days were over. But Dr. Lehman and the team at U.S. Center for Sports Medicine didn’t just fix my knee, they helped me rebuild my confidence. The personalized rehab was incredible, and I’m back on the field, stronger than ever. I can’t thank them enough!

Sarah M., Collegiate Soccer player

Elbow Surgery procedure

What to expect during and after Elbow Surgery

Your treatment starts with an in-depth evaluation by Dr. Lehman. Through physical examination and imaging, he’ll pinpoint the issue and discuss all your treatment options. If surgery is avoidable, Dr. Lehman may recommend suitable regenerative therapies.

Once surgery is scheduled, you’ll review the procedure in detail, complete pre-surgical evaluations, and get instructions to prepare for your operation with confidence.

Depending on your condition, elbow surgery may be performed arthroscopically or through a small open incision. Most procedures are outpatient, meaning you’ll return home the same day.

Post-surgery, your elbow may be immobilized temporarily. Pain is managed with medications and cold therapy. Dr. Lehman provides detailed post-op care instructions.

Rehabilitation begins shortly after surgery, with a focus on reducing stiffness, regaining range of motion, and slowly rebuilding strength. Recovery timelines vary by procedure but typically range from 6 weeks to several months.

Regular check-ins with Dr. Lehman ensure your healing is on track and adjustments can be made to optimize your recovery and performance.

Why choose Dr. Rick Lehman for  Elbow Surgery?

  • Board-certified orthopedic surgeon with national recognition
  • Trusted by elite athletes and weekend warriors alike
  • Expertise in advanced elbow procedures, including Tommy John surgery
  • Emphasis on minimally invasive, patient-focused care
  • Clinics in Menlo Park and St. Louis

Frequently asked questions

Dr. Lehman performs a wide range of elbow procedures, including tendon repair, UCL reconstruction (Tommy John surgery), fracture fixation, and nerve decompression. He’ll recommend the right surgery based on your condition and activity level.

You may be a good candidate for elbow surgery if you have persistent pain, weakness, or limited range of motion that hasn’t improved with non-surgical treatments such as rest, physical therapy, or injections. Surgery is often considered for athletes with ligament injuries like UCL tears, as well as individuals dealing with chronic conditions such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. It may also be appropriate for patients with arthritis, cartilage damage, joint instability, or fractures and dislocations that have not healed properly.

At Lehman Joint and Performance, Dr. Lehman will evaluate your symptoms, activity level, and goals to determine whether surgery is the right solution for your specific elbow condition.

Recovery depends on the procedure and the severity of your condition. Most patients regain basic function within 6 to 8 weeks, but full recovery may take 3 to 6 months, especially for ligament repairs like Tommy John surgery.

You may experience soreness after surgery, especially in the first few days. However, Dr. Lehman uses minimally invasive techniques and detailed pain protocols to help manage discomfort. Most patients report significant relief within a few weeks.

Yes. Physical rehabilitation therapy is critical to restoring flexibility, strength, and function in your elbow. Rehab usually starts within the first week post-op and continues for several months, depending on your progress and goals.

In many cases, yes. Dr. Lehman may recommend PRP injections for elbows, physical therapy, or corticosteroid injections for conditions like tennis elbow or mild ligament strains. Surgery is usually reserved for cases that don’t respond to conservative orthopedic care.

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Trusted by many

Rodney
6 months ago
He done my right shoulder after a bad wreck and that was in the early 90s until this day I've yet to have any pain he's the best orthopedic surgeon in st,Louis he takes care of the st.louis blue's hockey players he knows what he's doing,I'm going to try to get back to him now for my left shoulder after surgery my doctor here , well let's say 2yearsand2 months ltr I can't pick up anything with it I need a real pro ..
Darrell L.
11 months ago
It's been 28 years since I reluctantly followed the advice of the company nurse where I worked and made an appointment with Dr Lehman, which I had to drive an hour to see. It took a month and a half to actually get in to see him. My first visit, it seems more x-rays were taken than the previous 3 years being "cared for" by a butcher that I had been seeing because I destroyed my left knee in a motorcycle accident. Dr Lehman literally put his money where his mouth was when he convinced me to opt for reparative surgery, rather than complete knee replacement at the ripe old age of 25. Surgery was scheduled, again, it took a month and a half to get in.
Why did all of this take so long, you might ask... Because he IS that good! That's how many people are waiting to see him!
Thank you Dr Lehman for working your magic on me and affording me the quality of life that I have been able to enjoy for all these years.
Very regretfully, I have taken your help for granted and probably overworked it a bit too much, and now likely will have to have more work done. Even more regretfully, as I have relocated, it may no longer be feasible for me to return.
Kama T.
1 year ago
Dr. Lehman is one of the few doctors who puts your goals for mobility or athletic performance at the top of your treatment plan. I thought I would have to choose between 'bleeding edge of orthopedics' and 'decades of experience', but Dr. Lehman is the best of both. Thanks to him and his network of top therapists, I have come back from tough injuries and stayed strong enough to compete as an endurance athlete into my 50s.
Diane W.
2 years ago
Kevin B.
5 years ago
This office is one of the best offices in the country, HANDS DOWN!!!! The staff are very professional and can deal with a high volume of people!! Always getting people in to take care of their concerns!!! They are very detailed and so so kind!!!! Dr. Lehman is “The Best”, this man treats every single patient as if they were worth a million dollars to him!!!!! He deals with the general pubic and everyday working people the same way he deals with pro athletes!!!! What a Great Surgeon!!! His expertise is hard to match!!! My son is playing Division 1 football because Dr. Lehman repaired his knee!!!! Also, He just repaired my knee!! He and his staff ensured that I had a smooth prep, great surgery, and great follow up/discharge instructions. They made sure that me and my son got back to performing duties for life at high levels!!!!I highly recommend Dr. Lehman and his office. “WHAT A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE”.
jonathan S.
7 years ago
Dr Lehman is simply the best! You May have to wait awhile in his office but it is worth the wait to see the best!

He takes the time to explain things so you are comfortable and understand. I think this is why the wait. He is a genuinely sincere nice man. Who wants the best for you.

I am very active, he has always got me fixed back up!

You won’t find a better doctor or person!!
Byron S.
7 years ago
The office is great. it is obvious that doctor Lehman has done many famous athletes, the walls are covered with autographed shirts. The staff is competent and Karla is dedicated to her patients. A delight to work with
Shirley Y.
8 years ago
daniel R.
9 years ago
The quality of care & professionalism is worth my 250 mile Drive. I tore both rotator cuffs in September of 2016, at age 54, not good, but thanks to Dr Rick & Dr Shana, I'm back riding Harley's, swimming & playing golf . I'm feeling better than I did at 35! The Team at US Sport medicine will make you feel like an All American Superstar !!!
Much Mahalo

Schedule a consultation with expert elbow doctor Dr. Lehman today!

Don’t let elbow pain limit your life. Schedule your consultation today with Dr. Lehman at the Lehman Joint and Performance Clinic to explore your treatment options.