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Lateral epicondylitis: clinical classification and proposal for treatment
R Rotini1, M Fontana, L Catamo
1Modulo di Chirurgia della Spalla e del Gomito della 1a Divisione, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna.
La Chirurgia Degli Organi Di Movimento
|September 25, 2001
Summary
Non-surgical treatment for lateral epicondylitis yielded disappointing results, with only 36.5% healing. Researchers propose classifying epicondylitis into three clinical forms to guide improved treatment protocols.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation
Background:
- Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a frequent cause of elbow pain.
- Non-surgical interventions are the primary treatment modality for this condition.
- Previous studies have reported variable success rates for conservative management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of non-surgical treatments for lateral epicondylitis.
- To identify factors contributing to suboptimal treatment results.
- To propose a refined classification and treatment strategy for lateral epicondylitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study analyzing cases of lateral epicondylitis from 1997.
- Review of 63 patients treated non-surgically at the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute.
- Data collection focused on treatment outcomes and patient characteristics.
Main Results:
- A low healing rate of 36.5% was observed among the reviewed patients.
- Disappointing outcomes were attributed to imprecise clinical definitions and inadequate treatment protocols.
- Significant challenges remain in achieving successful conservative management.
Conclusions:
- Current non-surgical treatment approaches for lateral epicondylitis show limited efficacy.
- A need exists for standardized clinical definitions and tailored treatment protocols.
- Proposed classification includes acute, chronic recurrent, and chronic persistent forms to guide management and improve outcomes.