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Arthroscopic tennis elbow release
Felix H Savoie1, Michael J O'Brien
1Professor and Vice Chairman, Department of Orthopaedics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Instructional Course Lectures
|March 10, 2015
Summary
Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, affects 1-3% of adults. While often treatable non-surgically, arthroscopic surgery offers high success rates (91-97.7%) for persistent cases.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Tendon Pathology
Background:
- Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, affects 1-3% of the population, typically individuals aged 35-50.
- Pathological studies indicate that lateral epicondylitis is characterized by a failed reparative response in the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon, rather than inflammation.
- The condition affects the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon and associated structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding and treatment modalities for lateral epicondylitis.
- To highlight the efficacy of arthroscopic surgical interventions for refractory cases of tennis elbow.
Main Methods:
- Review of microscopic studies on excised tissue.
- Analysis of outcomes from various nonsurgical treatment protocols (medication, physical therapy, injections, etc.).
- Evaluation of results from arthroscopic surgical procedures.
Main Results:
- Nonsurgical treatments are effective for most lateral epicondylitis cases.
- Arthroscopic surgery demonstrates high success rates, with improvement reported between 91% and 97.7%.
- Advances in arthroscopic techniques, including repair and plication, yield excellent outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Lateral epicondylitis is primarily a degenerative condition with impaired tendon healing.
- While conservative treatments are often successful, arthroscopic surgery provides a highly effective solution for persistent tennis elbow.
- Modern arthroscopic techniques, addressing primary and coexisting lesions, ensure excellent patient outcomes.
