1.---"What does decortication of the lateral epicondyle mean? What does that surgery involve?"
Decortication of the lateral epicondyle is usually performed during debridement surgery to improve blood supply. An area of the exposed lateral condyle is decorticated using an osteotome (similar to a chisel) for making three 2 mm drill holes anterior to the lateral epicondyle.
2.---"Is the counterforce bracing the same as the braces for tennis elbow that you can buy in the stores (which wrap around the arm tightly just below the epicondyle area)??"
Yes, it's the same. It wraps around the forearm just below the elbow with two velcro straps. The counterforce tennis-elbow support brace is worn to distribute pressure from muscle-use evenly throughout the area instead of solely on the tendon. Since you are still having significant pain then I recommend wearing the brace whenever you participate in any activity involving using excessive motion of your elbow and forearm until your elbow is fully-healed.
3.---"what is the difference between cortisone injections and lidocaine injections?"
A cortisone injection relieves inflammation without anesthetizing. An injection of lidocaine 1% plus Depo-Medrol is used for short-term relief of inflammation and pain.
__________________
Please click the green
"ACCEPT" button. A
"BONUS" and
"POSITIVE FEEDBACK" are appreciated!
