Upper limb surgery, including the elbow.
Dr Coory holds MBBS, Dip.Surg.Anat, FRACS and FAOrthA qualifications and completed subspecialty fellowship training in shoulder and upper limb surgery. The elbow is part of that training, and part of his weekly practice. That matters because elbow pain is often not only an elbow problem: pain on the inside of the elbow can sit alongside irritation of the ulnar nerve, and numbness in the hand can start at the elbow rather than the wrist.
Most elbow conditions settle without an operation. The first job of a consultation is to work out which problem you have, how far it has progressed, and whether time, load management and physiotherapy are still the right path. Surgery is offered when that path has run its course, or when waiting risks a permanent loss of nerve function.
Elbow conditions treated.
Each page below explains the condition, the usual course, and where surgery fits.
Tennis elbow
Pain on the outside of the elbow with gripping. Usually settles with time and the right physiotherapy.
TendonGolfer's elbow
Pain on the inside of the elbow, sometimes with ulnar nerve symptoms.
NerveCubital tunnel syndrome
Numbness in the ring and little fingers and a weakening grip from ulnar nerve compression.
BursaOlecranon bursitis
A swelling at the point of the elbow, and the question of whether it is infected.
InjuryElbow dislocation
Reduction, bracing and the structured rehabilitation that restores movement.
Elbow surgery.
Where an operation is the right step, it is planned as day surgery wherever possible, with a rehabilitation plan written before the operation.
When to see an elbow surgeon.
See your GP and ask about a referral if elbow pain has not improved after several months of sensible load management and physiotherapy, if numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers is constant or waking you at night, if your grip or the fine control of your hand is getting weaker, or if the elbow has been dislocated or feels unstable.
A swollen, hot and red elbow, especially with a fever, needs prompt medical review the same day through your GP or an emergency department, because an infected bursa is treated differently from a simple one.
How elbow treatment is planned.
Assessment starts with the history and a careful examination of the elbow, the nerve and the hand. Plain X-rays, ultrasound or MRI are arranged when they will change the plan, and nerve conduction studies are used to measure how much an ulnar nerve has been affected. The plan is then written down so you and your GP know what happens next, whether that is a physiotherapy programme, a review appointment, or a date for surgery.
Where Dr Coory consults.
Two consulting locations, at Maroochydore and Noosaville, cover the Sunshine Coast. All appointments are made on 07 5493 8038. See all locations and directions.
The rest of the upper limb is covered too: shoulder surgeon on the Sunshine Coast and hand and wrist surgery.
Frequently asked questions.
Do I need surgery for tennis elbow?
Usually not. Tennis elbow is a self-limiting condition in most people and typically settles over months with load management and a structured physiotherapy programme. Surgery is reserved for the small group whose symptoms persist despite a full course of appropriate treatment.
What is the difference between golfer's elbow and cubital tunnel syndrome?
Golfer's elbow is a tendon problem on the inside of the elbow that causes pain with gripping. Cubital tunnel syndrome is compression of the ulnar nerve in the same area, which causes numbness in the ring and little fingers and can weaken the hand. The two can occur together, which is why both are checked at the same assessment.
Is cubital tunnel release a day procedure?
Yes. Cubital tunnel release is usually performed as day surgery. A comfort sling is used for a few days, and return to desk work is generally possible within about a week. Heavier manual work takes longer and is guided by recovery.
Do I need a referral?
A current referral is needed to claim a Medicare rebate on the consultation. A GP referral lasts 12 months and a specialist referral lasts 3 months. You can still book without one, but the consultation will not attract a rebate. WorkCover Queensland and compulsory third party claims are also seen; contact the rooms first so the paperwork can be arranged.
Where does Dr Coory consult and operate?
Dr Coory consults at Maroochydore and Noosaville, and all appointments are made on 07 5493 8038, Monday to Friday. He operates at Maroochy Private Hospital and Buderim Private Hospital. Day-surgery procedures are planned so that most patients go home the same day.