Is Surgery on the Horizon?
I’m a 45-year-old female, standing 5’7” and weighing 198 pounds. For the past year, I’ve been dealing with a troublesome case of tennis elbow. Back in March, I underwent my second cortisone injection. However, towards the end of May, while lifting a 17-pound baby out of a car seat, I experienced a sudden pop in my right elbow. Afterward, I had an MRI, which revealed the following: - Significant partial tear at the origin of the common extensor tendon. - High-grade tearing, either partial or full thickness, of the radial and lateral ulnar collateral ligaments where they attach at the humerus. - Minor joint effusion. I had an appointment set for this coming Monday with the physician's assistant who arranged the MRI. But today, I received a call from their office requesting that I cancel that appointment and instead meet with the specialist this Wednesday, as she wishes to discuss my MRI results in detail. With these findings, do they indicate that surgery may be necessary?
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 2:20:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are dealing with a significant elbow injury that has not responded well to conservative treatments. The MRI findings you’ve shared indicate substantial damage to the tendons and ligaments in your elbow. Here’s a breakdown of your situation:
Main Points:
- You have a significant partial tear in the common extensor tendon.
- There's high-grade tearing of the collateral ligaments, which can affect stability.
- You have an appointment with a specialist, which is a positive step toward determining the best course of action.
Explanation:
Your MRI results suggest serious injuries that may not heal well on their own, especially given that conservative treatments like cortisone injections haven’t resolved your issues. The "pop" you felt while lifting indicates that there may have been an acute worsening of your condition. This sort of injury often prompts healthcare providers to consider surgical options, especially when it impacts your daily activities or quality of life.
Next Steps:
-
Prepare for Your Specialist Appointment: Make a list of any questions or concerns you have about the MRI findings and possible surgical options. It's essential to understand the risks and benefits of surgery versus continued conservative management.
-
Consider Pain Management and Activity Modification: Until your appointment, focus on gentle movements that do not cause pain. Ice and rest can help reduce swelling and discomfort in your elbow.
-
Inquire About Physical Therapy: Ask the specialist if physical therapy might be viable for your situation, as it can sometimes help strengthen the area and manage symptoms without surgery.
-
Keep Track of Symptoms: Note any changes in your condition, such as increases in pain, instability, or difficulties with daily tasks, which could be important for the specialist visit.
While surgery may be a possibility based on your MRI results, the specialist will provide guidance tailored to your specific situation. Stay hopeful and open to various treatment options that can lead you to recovery. Let me know if you need further assistance!
Related Questions
Understanding Tuberculosis Exposure Risk
A 26-year-old male, who neither drinks alcohol nor smokes, seeks to understand the implications of exposure to tuberculosis (TB). As an anesthesia technician, I became concerned after I encountered a TB-positive patient about a month ago. I had to enter the patient’s room several times to perform blood gas tests. On my first entry, I mistakenly wore my N95 mask incorrectly due to the hectic nature of attending to multiple rooms. From my research, it appears that TB is quite transmissible; direct exposure can pose a serious risk of infection. Transmission usually requires prolonged contact with an infected individual, particularly in a close or face-to-face setting. In this case, the patient was lying face down and appeared to be sleeping when I entered. I have already undergone testing for TB, but I am eager to deepen my understanding of the risks involved in these situations.
24M | Unexplained Fainting Incident
**Note:** I previously shared this story, but it was inexplicably removed. I’m a 24-year-old male without any medical diagnosis or prescription medications. While I do consume alcohol occasionally, I hadn’t been drinking before this happened. Around 3 a.m., I got up from bed to use the restroom. As soon as I began to urinate, I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. The next moment I was aware of was regaining consciousness in the bathtub, startled awake by the sensation of something dripping on me—only to discover it was my own blood. This was my first experience with fainting. When I came to, confusion set in. I was disoriented and couldn’t comprehend why I was being dripped on while in what I thought was my “bed.” Strangely, I also imagined that I was lying on a collection of marbles (which I actually don’t own)—this turned out to be the shattered glass of my shower door lying around me. I’m uncertain whether I lost consciousness first and then fell, or if the fall caused my brief blackout. It took me a few moments to understand why I was in the bathroom at all. I’m not sure how long I was out; I only remember it was around 3 in the morning when I initially got up, and about the same time when I regained consciousness. I dialed 911, and the ambulance arrived promptly. They checked my vitals, performed an EKG and measured my blood sugar, finding nothing unusual. At the emergency room, they repeated the vital checks, conducted a CT scan, drew blood, and took x-rays—yet still no abnormalities were detected. I had several cuts on my face and left arm (curiously, this is the arm that would have been turned away from the door), along with bruising around my ribs. Since the incident, I’ve been suffering from headaches and pain in my ribs. I received stitches on both my face and arm. The nurse suggested I could have stronger pain relief, but I opted for just Toradol. They eventually discharged me, stating, "We’re unsure what caused this, but return if it happens again." What might have triggered such an incident? How can I safeguard against it reoccurring if they remain uncertain about the cause?
Healing Progress Post-GBS: Toe Concerns
I am a 28-year-old male, measuring 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 131 pounds. My current medications include Fomadatine and Zyrtec, prescribed due to my ongoing battle with Chronic Gastritis and SIBO. I maintain a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from both smoking and alcohol. My health concern revolves around the toe adjacent to my pinky toe on my left foot, as well as my pinky toe on the right foot. Since August of last year, I have been on the mend from Guillain Barre Syndrome. Recently, I've noticed that at night, the skin on my feet tends to turn a reddish pink, although this usually improves after I walk around. However, two of my toes have remained red, with one appearing slightly swollen. Generally, my pinky toes are quite thick, but the condition of my left foot's toe is worrisome for me. It seems that I'm unable to upload an image to illustrate my issue.
Swelling Beneath My Chin Near the Jawline
18-Year-Old Male: I'm reaching out to any medical professionals who might provide insights into my situation. I've been using marijuana since I was 14, but now, at 17, I'm making an effort to stop and have been clean for 18 days. Recently, I've discovered an unusual swelling located just beneath my chin, behind my jaw. It causes some discomfort when I move, yet it doesn’t feel painful continuously. I'm somewhat anxious that this could be indicative of a more serious issue, especially considering it's positioned near my chin's lymph nodes. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated as it might help alleviate my worry.
Challenges with Appetite and Discomfort While Eating — Difficulty in Gaining Weight
As an 18-year-old male, I find that I become satisfied after consuming rather minimal amounts of food. This situation presents a considerable challenge, particularly since I only need to have a standard breakfast, lunch, or dinner to feel completely satiated for the remainder of the day. My goal of increasing my weight has made this issue even more complicated. When I limit myself to one meal per day, I often face weight loss or an uncomfortable sensation of fullness that leaves me feeling sluggish. Opting for two meals makes me feel excessively bloated, distracting me from my daily responsibilities. Moreover, I suffer from an unusual issue with my throat, where almost any food I consume causes discomfort, as detailed in the list below. I have contemplated focusing on having just lunch while continuing my weightlifting regimen to maintain my current weight and gradually build muscle. What advice could you offer? Could there be an underlying cause for these symptoms? Lastly, would it be wise for me to consult a healthcare professional? Foods That Cause Discomfort: Bread, flour, pizza, fruits, sugary or starchy items, seed oils, chips, and essentially everything else. Foods That Are Tolerable: Rice, salads, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Overall Symptoms Include: * Quick satiety after normal meals * Challenges in gaining weight * Bloated and lethargic sensations when consuming more than one meal * Persistent throat sensitivity to a wide variety of foods