Welcome
Thank you for choosing Crescent City Orthopedics.

Experience specialized orthopedic care so you can move past injury and get back to the life you love.

Request an Appointment

​​​​​​
Man playing tennis

Specialized Elbow Care
To Move You Forward

At Crescent City Orthopedics, our doctors are Louisiana natives who are passionate about helping each of their patients. We know that elbow injuries can make everyday tasks difficult or impossible, which is why we proudly offer the latest treatments and personalized care plans for your elbow injuries and conditions so you can move past your injury and get back to the life you love.

We take pride in the expertise our board-certified orthopedic surgeons provide for our patients at Crescent City Orthopedics. As dedicated, compassionate experts committed to providing you with specialized elbow care, our orthopedic elbow surgeons, Dr. Scott Buhler and Dr. John Cazale, are skilled experts in their field with decades of combined experience and training. Together, they make up a team committed to your recovery by offering the latest in orthopedic technology and procedures for all your needs.

Elbow Specialists in the Greater New Orleans Area

Committed to serving Metairie and the surrounding areas, our doctors work with you to deliver the high-level, specialized care you deserve. With their extensive training and years of experience, our elbow doctors are experts in the treatment of various elbow injuries and conditions, including dislocation, golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), and ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury.

Nonsurgical treatment options will be recommended first when developing an individualized treatment plan. These methods may include receiving physical therapy, wearing a brace, or taking over-the-counter medication. These nonsurgical approaches can reduce or even eliminate elbow pain.

If nonoperative care is ineffective or becomes less effective over time, our elbow surgeons will discuss surgical options with you to help you determine which surgery is right for you. Our surgeons have the expertise and exceptional skills needed to perform the required surgery as well as access to the latest surgical equipment, which helps ensure the best outcome possible.

Our surgeons are prepared to educate you and answer any questions you may have regarding your recommended surgical options.

  • Common Conditions

    With years of experience and orthopedic training, our elbow doctors assess, diagnose, and treat elbow injuries as well as other conditions that can develop in the elbow, such as tennis elbow and bursitis.

Bursitis

Symptoms

  • Swelling around the joint
  • Pain and tenderness when pressing on the affected area
  • Limited range of motion in the joint

Causes

  • Repetitive pressure or friction on the joint, such as leaning on hard surfaces, playing contact sports, and repetitive tasks
  • Direct trauma or impact to the joint, such as a fall or blow
  • Infection or inflammation of the bursa sac that cushions the joint

Dislocation

Symptoms

  • Severe pain in the affected joint
  • Visible deformity or dislocation of the joint
  • Inability to move the affected arm

Causes

  • Direct trauma or impact to the joint, such as a fall or collision
  • Sports injuries or accidents, especially in contact sports or high-risk activities
  • Chronic instability or hypermobility of the joint due to anatomical factors or an injury

Fracture

Symptoms

  • Severe pain in the affected area
  • Swelling and bruising around the area
  • Inability to bear weight on, move, or lift the affected arm or leg
  • In severe cases, deformity of the area is visible

Causes

  • Trauma or injury, such as a fall or car accident
  • Osteoporosis or weakened bones
  • Participating in high-impact activities

Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Symptoms

  • Pain or tenderness on the inner part of the elbow
  • Weakness in the wrist and hand
  • Numbness or tingling in the fingers

Causes

  • Overuse of the wrist flexor tendons, especially with repetitive gripping and lifting motions
  • Improper technique or equipment in golf, weightlifting, or manual labor
  • Direct trauma or impact to the elbow joint, such as a fall or collision

Tennis Elbow

Symptoms

  • Pain or tenderness on the outer part of the elbow
  • Weakness in the forearm, making it difficult to grip objects
  • Pain that may radiate from the elbow to the forearm and wrist

Causes

  • Repetitive use of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle (outer part of the elbow)
  • Improper technique or form during activities that involve gripping or twisting the forearm

Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury

Symptoms

  • Pain on the inner part of the elbow
  • Instability or looseness in the elbow joint
  • Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers

Causes

  • Repetitive throwing motions in baseball or other overhead sports, leading to chronic wear and tear on the UCL
  • Acute trauma or strain to the UCL, such as a sudden forceful throw or collision
  • Improper training techniques or inadequate conditioning of the elbow and shoulder muscles

Treatment Options

  • Arthroscopic Repair
  • Bracing/Splinting
  • Tennis Elbow Repair

Our experts offer a wide array of traditional treatment methods as well as state-of-the-art surgeries, including arthroscopic repair.

  • Arthroscopic Repair

    Using an arthroscope, or small surgical camera, the surgeon repairs damaged tissue or removes loose fragments in the joint. This allows for better movement and reduced pain. Arthroscopic repair is a minimally invasive surgical technique, meaning it allows for smaller incisions and less tissue damage compared to traditional open surgery.

    Benefits

    • Improved joint function and range of motion
    • Reduced pain and swelling in the affected joint
    • Faster recovery time and shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery
       
  • Bracing/Splinting

    Bracing and splinting involve using a support or device to protect and stabilize the affected area, often reducing pain and improving function. It can be used as a primary treatment for some conditions, such as ankle sprains. Bracing and splinting may involve custom-made devices or off-the-shelf products, depending on the specific needs of the patient and the type of injury or condition being treated.

    Benefits

    • Provides support and stability to the affected area, limiting the risk of further injury or aggravation while reducing pain and stiffness
    • Can be used in conjunction with other treatments to improve outcomes
    • May help to prevent or delay the need for surgery in some cases
  • Tennis Elbow Repair

    This surgery typically involves removing damaged tissue from the affected area or reattaching torn tendons to the bone. Tennis elbow repair may be performed as open surgery or arthroscopic surgery, with arthroscopic surgery being minimally invasive.

    Benefits

    • Improved function and range of motion in the elbow
    • Reduced pain and inflammation
    • Faster recovery times compared to open surgery
Our Elbow Doctors

Scott A. Buhler, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine Specialist

Specialized Elbow Care When You Need It

Our doctors at Crescent City Orthopedics know that injuries can happen when least expected. We are proud to offer same-day appointments at our Metairie location for all your urgent bone, joint, and muscle needs. When you choose Crescent City Orthopedics, you choose our highly skilled experts who prioritize patient-focused care.

If you are suffering from elbow pain that is keeping you from the life you love, please call (504) 309-6500 or request an appointment online to get the care you need in Metairie.