ARTHROSCOPIC TREATMENT FOR LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS: OUTCOMES IN 104 CASES OF A SINGLE INSTITUTION

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Lateral epicondylitis (LE), or tennis elbow, often requires surgical intervention when conservative treatments fail.
• The extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon is frequently implicated in LE pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness and safety of arthroscopic debridement for patients with recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis.
• To evaluate patient outcomes using validated scoring systems post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 104 patients with LE who underwent arthroscopic debridement of the ECRB tendon.
• Patient outcomes were measured using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).
• Mean follow-up duration was 34.4 months.

Main Results:

• Postoperative DASH score averaged 20.67, VAS at rest averaged 1.8, and VAS in activity averaged 4.7.
• 74% of patients engaged in sports or high-demand upper limb activities returned to their previous level.
• A low complication rate of 2.8% for superficial infection was observed.

Conclusions:

• Arthroscopic surgery is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with lateral epicondylitis refractory to conservative management.
• The procedure leads to significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life.
• Patients can expect a high rate of return to pre-injury activity levels, including sports.