Microtenotomy using a radiofrequency probe to treat lateral epicondylitis

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of microtenotomy using a radiofrequency (RF) probe to treat chronic tendinosis of the common extensor tendon origins of the elbow (lateral epicondyle).

Prospective, nonrandomized consecutive case series.

The average age of the 13 patients was 48.3 +/- 5.5 years. Before receiving the microtenotomy, all patients had tendinosis symptoms for 6 months or longer and had failed conservative treatment. The RF-based microdebridement was performed on the symptomatic tendon using the TOPAZ Microdebrider device (ArthroCare, Sunnyvale, CA). Patients were followed-up at regular postoperative intervals for 24 months. Pain status was documented using a visual analog scale self-reported measure. Functional outcome was assessed using the upper limb DASH evaluation and grip-strength measures. Quality of life assessment was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at regular intervals over the follow-up period.

Patients reported significantly reduced pain from baseline at the 7- to 10-day postoperative examination (P < or = .01). Pain reduction was statistically stable from 7 to 10 days through the 24-month postoperative period (P < or = .01). Limb-specific functional outcomes and quality of life scores were improved over baseline values. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications related to the procedure.

The RF-based microtenotomy procedure was safe and effective through at least 2 years. This procedure provides a valuable addition for treating patients with lateral epicondylitis associated with tendinosis who have failed conservative therapy.

Level IV.