Lateral epicondylitis: a comparative study of open and arthroscopic lateral release

In this article, we retrospectively review cases of resistant lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and compare treatment with open release versus arthroscopic release. From 1997 to 2002, 87 patients were treated: 54 with open procedures and 33 with arthroscopic procedures. Seventy-five patients were available for follow-up. Mean duration of preoperative symptoms was 16 months for open cases and 22 months for arthroscopic cases. All patients had a minimum of 6 months of conservative treatment before surgery. Results showed no significant difference in outcomes. For example, 69% of open cases and 72% of arthroscopic cases had good or excellent outcomes. Notably, patients treated with arthroscopic release returned to work earlier than patients treated with open release did, and they required less postoperative therapy.