It might be a good idea to follow up with your doc about that elbow, if it doesn't seem to be healing properly . . .

I'm not a spinning class person, but it seems to me that two things that you don't get in the gym are balance and steering . . . so maybe try flat pedals while learning those skills in traffic, then transition to clipless when you're more confident? You might also try Power Grips, which might be similar to the straps that they have for stationary bikes.

Maybe if you can borrow a trainer to put your bike on you can get used to the clipless without having to worry about balance . . .