Skin depigmentation and subcutaneous fat atrophy after crorticosteroid injection for lateral epicondylitis in two...

Lateral epicondylitis is the most common elbow problem in adults. Corticosteroid injection for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis is a frequently used method of conservative management. A 43-year-old woman was referred to our clinic with a 6-month history of pain along the lateral side of her right and left elbow. She had been treated with 20 mg Triamsinolon heksasetonit to the right and left elbow for lateral epicondylitis with the resistance of pain After 3 weeks of the injection, the pain was completely relieved. The patient was able to move easily her elbow within normal limit. Examination also revealed depigmentation of the skin and atrophy of subcutaneous fat over the lateral epicondyle of both elbows. In the treatment of lateral epicondylitis, corticosteroid injection can be used for alternative conservative treatment. Depigmentation or subcutaneous tissue atrophy may occur inappropriate technique or excessive cortisone dose.