I had surgery for lateral epicondylitis on June 20, 2005 and suspect
that things are not progressing well since the surgery.  In 1999 I had
the same surgery on my other elbow.  I am an otherwise healthy 34-year
old male.  The problem with the elbow this time is that I still cannot
straighten it (was also unable to straighten the elbow before
surgery).  I still have considerable pain when using my hand even
though I use it very little.  For example there is considerable pain
picking up a remote for the TV and clicking through channels. What
should I do if
anything?  I don't remember having these kinds of problems with the
recovery of my other elbow.

Hey garyewebster-ga, how are you doing?

A number of treatments, including acupuncture, exercise therapy,
manipulations and mobilizations, ultrasound, phonophoresis, Rebox, and
ionization with diclofenac all show positive effects in the reduction
of pain or improvement in function for patients with lateral
epicondylitis. Patients with persistent symptoms despite surgical
treatment, may benefit from a more aggressive debridement. (Trudel D,
Duley J, Zastrow I 243-66)

Rehabilitation is a key phase in the treatment of elbow problems. One
of the most concerning complications of aggressive surgical
debridement is lateral elbow instability.

Elbow instability can occur in athletes such as patients with
repetitive throwing or in individuals who have had a sudden fall. If
the open approach is used, the patient is usually protected with a
splint or brace at 90° initially. (Owens)

Early motion in a brace may be initiated at 3-5 days, with
strengthening exercises usually started by 3 weeks, depending on the
patient's symptoms. Return to racquet sports can be expected by 4-6
months.

Depending on the specific job requirements, patients can return to
work in 6-12 weeks, although job modification or persistent use of a
counterforce brace during work activities may be necessary. (Owens
sec. 6:11) Good pain relief is part of normal post-operative care.

A combination of oral pain medications with short and long acting
medications with an anti-inflammatory medication to provide an
additional source of pain relief. To request a referral online at the
University of Washington, please visit
https://emedicine.uwmedicine.org/webreferral/Default.aspx?fac=Trumble
or you can also call 206-598-4537 to make an appointment. (Tremble)

REFERENCES
Brett D Owens, MD,: Lateral Epicondylitis ::  Postoperative details
Consulting Staff, Department of Orthopedics, Keller Army Hospital, West Point
http://www.emedicine.com/orthoped/topic510.htm#section~complications

Thomas E. Trumble, M.D.: Overview of the condition
University of Washington, Seattle
http://www.orthop.washington.edu/uw/treatmentfor/tabID__3349/ItemID__277/PageID__2/Articles/Default.aspx

Thomas E. Trumble, M.D.: Recovering from surgery
University of Washington, Seattle
http://www.orthop.washington.edu/uw/treatmentfor/tabID__3349/ItemID__277/PageID__6/Articles/Default.aspx

Trudel D, Duley J, Zastrow I: Rehabilitation for patients with lateral
epicondylitis: a systematic review. J Hand Ther 2004 Apr-Jun; 17(2):
243-66[Medline Abstract].
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15162109

Best wishes,

did you see this excellent web page about the exercise therapy?

http://www.nismat.org/ptcor/tennis_elbow/index.html

Hi, 

I'd recommend speaking with your surgeon about some Physical Therapy
for starters.  I have been in this field for 20 years.  It is not
uncommon at patients to have different recoveries for the same surgery
on the opposing joint.   Good luck.