Elbow
At PRO SPORT in Gig Harbor, we treat elbow issues of all types. Orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Nels Sampatacos, is board-certified and fellowship-trained in sports medicine, arthroscopy, and reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Nels Sampatacos and the team at PRO SPORT will work with you to create a custom comprehensive treatment plan to help relieve your pain and restore function.
Some elbow conditions can be treated without surgery. Treatment options include sports chiropractic care, manual therapy, physical therapy, sports rehab, massage therapy, and ultrasound-guided injections (cortisone, hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, amnion, stem cells, etc.). Oftentimes, we can utilize a combination of these non-surgical treatments to increase healing and improve performance.
Other elbow conditions might require surgery. Most of these can be performed arthroscopically and some with open repairs and reconstruction.
Common Orthopedic Elbow Conditions That We Treat Include: (but are not limited to)
Common Orthopedic Elbow Treatments Include: (but are not limited to)
- Cubital tunnel release and ulnar nerve transposition
- Arthroscopic debridement of the elbow
- UCL repair/reconstruction (Tommy John Surgery)
- Distal biceps repair
- Cartilage restoration surgery (e.g. cartilage transplantation)
- Ultrasound-guided injections:
- Stem cell injections
- Platelet rich plasma injections (PRP)
- Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injection)
- Corticosteroid injections
If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your elbow issues with Dr. Nels Sampatacos call PRO SPORT at (253) 853-4000
PRP Therapy (Overview)
Platelet rich plasma therapy can help injured joints and other problems. It uses parts of your own blood to reduce pain and speed up healing.
Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow
This is a disorder that most often affects young athletes. It happens when part of a bone in the elbow loses its blood supply. It weakens, and so does the cartilage that covers it. Bone and cartilage may break off and drift around in the elbow. That can cause the joint to catch and lock up.
Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury of the Elbow
Like other joints, the elbow is held together by strong bands of tissue called “ligaments.” On the elbow’s inner side is the ulnar collateral ligament complex. We call it the “UCL.” It’s made of three bands that connect the humerus (the upper arm bone) to the lower arm’s ulna. The UCL is the elbow ligament most often injured by baseball pitchers and by other athletes who play throwing sports.
Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction (Tommy John Surgery)
This procedure is designed to repair a torn elbow ligament – an injury typically caused by strong, repetitive overhead throwing motions of the arm or by dislocation of the elbow. It was first performed in 1974 on baseball pitcher Tommy John.