Cap't Bob, I suffer from the same type of problem as you describe.

Before letting a surgeon cut you open I would urge you to seek a competent chiropractor or massage therapist. The problem usually is the muscles and ligaments that go up to the elbow, or so I've been told by more than one doctor.

In my case massage and stretching of the muscles near the elbow as well as icing the top side of the forearm near the elbow has given a great deal of relief.

Your case may be different, but I like to question the motivation behind reccomended treatments. Surgeons almost always reccomend surgery. I like to avoid cutting whenever possible.

I would just like to suggest getting several opinions before surgery. It doesn't hurt to try other treatments first. You could still have the surgery later, but with surgery first the other treatments may not work if the operation doesn't.

BHSC