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Lateral extensor release for tennis elbow. A prospective long-term follow-up study
J Verhaar1, G Walenkamp, A Kester
1Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Summary
Lateral extensor release surgery for tennis elbow significantly reduces pain and improves outcomes. This outpatient procedure offers excellent long-term results, making it a benchmark for comparing other tennis elbow treatments.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Elbow Surgery
Background:
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a common condition causing elbow pain.
- Surgical interventions are considered when conservative treatments fail.
- Lateral release of the common extensor origin is a surgical option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes of lateral release surgery for tennis elbow.
- To assess pain reduction and functional improvement after the procedure.
- To establish a comparison standard for other tennis elbow surgical techniques.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 63 patients with tennis elbow.
- Surgical lateral release of the common extensor origin.
- Follow-up assessments at one year and a mean of 59 months (up to 65 months).
Main Results:
- Significant pain reduction: 76% reported no/slight pain at 1 year, 91% at 5 years (vs. 95% severe pain pre-op).
- High success rate: 56% excellent and 33% good results at 5 years.
- No correlation found between preoperative findings and surgical outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Lateral extensor release is an effective surgical treatment for tennis elbow.
- The procedure provides durable pain relief and functional improvement.
- It serves as a valuable benchmark for evaluating alternative surgical options.