Initial PROMIS Scores Correlate With Operative and Nonoperative Management of Lateral Epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a common source of elbow pain. Treatment options include physical therapy (PT), corticosteroid injection, or surgery, but the efficacy of each remains unclear. In this study, we compare Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores between patients treated both operatively and nonoperatively for LE.

Patients presenting to a tertiary academic medical center from February 2015 to December 2018 with a diagnosis of LE were identified. Those with initial and follow-up PROMIS physical function (PF), pain interference (PI), and Depression scores were included and stratified according to treatment. Single-factor analysis of variance testing was used to compare PROMIS scores between intervention types.

In all, 982 patients were initially identified with the diagnosis of LE and documented PROMIS scores. Initial treatment consisted of 266 patients receiving formal PT, 238 patients receiving injections, 20 patients undergoing surgery, and 296 patients receiving no formal treatment. At final follow-up, 235 (44.8%) patients had been treated with isolated PT, 237 (45.1%) with injections, and 52 (9.9%) with surgery. Patients who underwent formal PT had the highest initial PF scores when compared with all other interventions. Patients who underwent operative management had higher initial PI scores than those who pursued nonoperative management.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System PF and PI may be useful for determining which treatment course patients suffering from LE are likely to pursue. Pain as a limiting factor in daily living may be a better indication for operative management as opposed to physical metrics.