Elbow surgery in Bath
Mr Chambler treats tennis elbow and cubital tunnel syndrome when they have not settled with other treatment. Tennis elbow release eases the strained tendon on the outside of the elbow. Cubital tunnel release frees the ulnar nerve on the inside of the elbow, which can cause numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers. He operates at Sulis Hospital Bath and Bath Clinic.
Consulting at Sulis Hospital Bath, Bath Clinic and St Joseph's Newport
Typical ranges from the patient information leaflet. Your own plan is agreed at consultation.
Is this procedure for me?
Most tennis elbow settles within a year or two without surgery, and milder nerve symptoms often improve with simple changes. Surgery is considered when symptoms persist or the nerve is affected.
Usually considered when
- Tennis elbow pain has lasted many months despite treatment
- Gripping, lifting or typing is limited
- Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers persists
- Nerve tests show pressure on the ulnar nerve, or the hand is weakening
Other options first
- Rest from aggravating activities and a brace
- Physiotherapy and a graded exercise programme
- Guided injections with the radiology team
- Avoiding long periods with the elbow bent, including at night
Read more about tennis elbow and cubital tunnel syndrome. Whether surgery is right for you is a decision you and Mr Chambler make together at consultation.
What happens, step by step
- Consultation and tests
You meet Mr Chambler in clinic. He examines your elbow and may arrange an ultrasound, MRI or nerve conduction studies. - Planning
He explains which procedure suits you, the likely recovery and the risks. You can take time to decide. - The operation
Through a small incision, the damaged tendon tissue is released, or the nerve is freed from the tissue pressing on it. - The same day
Your arm is bandaged and you can usually move your fingers straight away. - Going home
Many people go home the same day, with pain relief and wound care advice. - Follow-up
A wound check, then a clinic review of your progress with Mr Chambler.
What it can achieve, and what can go wrong
What it can achieve
- Less pain on gripping and lifting for many patients with tennis elbow
- Reduced numbness and tingling for many patients with cubital tunnel
- Releasing the nerve may prevent further weakness
- A small incision and day-case surgery
What can go wrong
- Symptoms not improving, or returning
- Numbness around the scar
- Nerve injury
- Infection
- Stiffness
- A tender scar
- The risks of any anaesthetic
Mr Chambler discusses the figures that apply to your procedure at consultation, using published rates where they exist.
Mr Chambler goes through these with you before you decide, and you sign consent only when you are ready.
Recovery
Recovery is gradual and varies from person to person. These are typical ranges.
Weeks 1 to 2
Bandage, gentle finger and elbow movement, stitches checked.
Weeks 2 to 6
Light daily tasks and desk work for many people. Physiotherapy where needed.
6 to 12 weeks
A gradual return to gripping and lifting.
3 to 6 months
Most activities. Nerve symptoms may continue to improve.
Up to a year
Nerve recovery can take this long for some people.
Who looks after you
Mr Andrew Chambler
Consultant Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon since 2003
FRCS (Tr and Orth)
He sees you at every consultation and performs your operation. Around him is a small team you will meet along the way.
Radiologistscarry out imaging and guided injections.
Anaesthetistsplan your anaesthetic and nerve block and see you before the operation.
Physiotherapistsguide your rehabilitation, working to Mr Chambler's published protocols.
Pain managementspecialists are involved when it is needed.
Gail Lane's officehandles bookings, insurance and admissions.
Where it is done
Sulis Hospital Bath
Foxcote Avenue, Peasedown St John, Bath BA2 8SQ
Free parking on site.
From Bath: about 15 minutes from the city centre by car.
From Bristol: about 25 minutes from the city centre by car.
Bath Clinic, Circle Health Group
Claverton Down Road, Bath BA2 7BR
From Bath: about 10 minutes from the city centre by car, on Claverton Down.
From Bristol: about 35 minutes from the city centre by car via the A4.
St Joseph's Hospital, Newport
Harding Avenue, Malpas, Newport NP20 6ZE
Consultations for patients in South Wales.
From Bath: about an hour by car via the M4.
From Bristol: about 40 minutes by car over the Prince of Wales Bridge (M4).
Paying for treatment
Insured
Self-pay
NHS
Your self-pay quote is confirmed in writing after your consultation, once the procedure is agreed.
How soon can I be seen?
New patients are usually seen within one to two weeks.
Updated November 2026
Questions patients ask
Will I need a GP referral?
If you are insured, your insurer will usually ask for a GP referral before authorising treatment. If you are paying for yourself, Gail can tell you whether a referral letter is needed and what to bring.
Do I need surgery for tennis elbow?
Usually not. Most tennis elbow settles with time, activity changes and physiotherapy. Surgery is considered when pain has lasted many months despite these treatments.
Will the numbness in my fingers go away?
It often improves after cubital tunnel release, but recovery can be slow and depends on how long and how badly the nerve has been affected. Mr Chambler explains what is realistic at consultation.
When can I return to work?
Many people return to desk work within one to three weeks. Manual work usually takes longer. Your plan is agreed with you.
What if I live in Bristol?
Sulis Hospital is about 25 minutes from central Bristol by car, with free parking. Many patients travel from Bristol, Somerset and Wiltshire for consultations and surgery.
Can I have it done on the NHS with Mr Chambler?
NHS treatment is arranged through a GP referral. Gail can explain the current options when you get in touch.
Talk to us about your elbow
Gail Lane, Mr Chambler's practice manager, replies within one working day.
