LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS OF THE ELBOW

Marcio Cohen, Geraldo da Rocha Motta Filho, Marcio Cohen, Geraldo da Rocha Motta Filho

Abstract

Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is a common condition that is estimated to affect 1% to 3% of the population. The word epicondylitis suggests inflammation, although histological analysis on the tissue fails to show any inflammatory process. The structure most commonly affected is the origin of the tendon of the extensor carpi radialis brevis and the mechanism of injury is associated with overloading. Nonsurgical treatment is the preferred method, and this includes rest, physiotherapy, cortisone infiltration, platelet-rich plasma injections and use of specific immobilization. Surgical treatment is recommended when functional disability and pain persist. Both the open and the arthroscopic surgical technique with resection of the degenerated tendon tissue present good results in the literature.

Keywords: Tennis Elbow/pathology; Tennis Elbow/surgery; Tennis Elbow/therapy.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Drawing of the anatomy of the lateral face of the elbow. The SREC Is located below the common extensor of the fingers and the LREC.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Radiograph of the elbow, showing calcification of the lateral epicondyle.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Illustration of the ideal location for performing infiltration with corticosteroids for lateral epicondylitis.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Parameters for determining the ideal diameter for a tennis racket handle.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Surgical technique used for treating lateral epicondylitis: (A) surgical access; (B) view of the gap between the SREC and the extensor aponeurosis; (C) view of tendinosis of the SREC after opening the extensor aponeurosis; (D) construction of a bone orifice in the lateral epicondyle to promote local blood circulation; (E) suturing of the gap between the SREC and the extensor aponeurosis.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Arthroscopic image of the elbow showing debridement of the SREC tendon after removal of the capsule.

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Source: PubMed

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