We studied the outcome of tennis elbow release in 27 patients at an average of 29.6 months after surgery. We found that 44% of patients had obtained complete pain relief, 37% of patients experienced occasional pain and 19% of patients still experienced moderate pain. Pain relief was significantly better in those patients with the shorter duration of preoperative symptoms. We therefore conclude that surgery for tennis elbow should be employed at an earlier stage than is currently practised.