Tennis Elbow Impormasyon

Ang pahinang ito ay isinalin ng makina at hindi pa nasusuri ng isang doktor. Ang bersyong Ingles ang siyang opisyal.

Ano ang nararamdaman mo

Maaaring mararamdaman mo ang sakit sa labas ng iyong siko. Ito ang lugar kung saan ang mga tendon ng iyong mga kalamnan sa forearms ay nakakabit sa buto. Karaniwang dahan-dahan itong nagsisimula. Maaaring magmukhang ito bilang isang malalim na sakit o matalim na pananakit kapag gumagalaw ka ng iyong braso. Maraming tao ang naglalarawan dito bilang isang pakiramdam ng pagsunog na kumakalat pababa sa forearm patungo sa pulso.

Karaniwang lumalala ang sakit kapag ginagamit mo ang iyong braso laban sa resistensya. Maaaring maging mahirap ang mga simpleng gawain sa araw-araw. Maaaring mahirapan kang mag-angat ng tasa ng kape, ikutin ang hawakan ng pinto, o magkamay. Ang pag-abot sa likod ng iyong likod upang isara ang bra o ang pagtupi ng isang kamiseta ay maaaring mag-trigger ng matalim na sakit. Kahit ang paghawak ng isang magaan na bagay, tulad ng telepono o libro, ay maaaring maging hindi komportable kung hahawakan mo ito nang matagal.

Maaaring mapansin mo na mas malala ang sakit pagkatapos ng aktibidad. Karaniwang bumubulwak ito sa sumunod na umaga kapag gising ka pa lang. Karaniwang may stiffness sa siko pagkatapos ng mga panahon ng pahinga. May mga tao na nakakakita na ang pagtulog sa apektadong gilid ay nagpapalala ng sakit. Maaaring gumising ka na may hindi komportableng pakiramdam o hindi makahanap ng posisyon para sa pahinga.

Sa kabila ng mga sintomas na ito, may magandang balita. Ang tennis elbow ay isang self-limiting na kondisyon. Ibig sabihin, ito ay may tendensyang maglaan sa sarili nito sa paglipas ng panahon. Mayroong matatag na half-life ng tatlo hanggang apat na buwan ang mga sintomas. Ibig sabihin, ang lakas ng iyong sakit ay karaniwang nagbabawas nang malaki sa loob ng panahong iyon. Ang karamihan sa mga kaso ng tennis elbow ay nalalampasan sa loob ng anim na buwan, anuman ang gamit na paggamot. Humigit-kumulang 90% ng mga tao na may hindi pinapagamot na tennis elbow ay nakakamit ang pagwawakas ng sintomas sa loob ng isang taon.

Ang probabilidad ng paggaling ay nananatiling katamtaman sa loob ng panahong ito. Totoo ito anuman ang tagal ng iyong pagkaroon ng mga sintomas. Ang mas mahabang tagal ng sintomas ay hindi nagpapahiwatig ng mas masamang prognosis nang walang operasyon. Ang iyong katawan ay malamang na nagpapagaling sa sarili nito, kahit na mabagal ang proseso.

Gayunpaman, mahalaga ang tumpak na diagnosis. Halos kalahati (46.5%) ng mga pasyenteng dumadating na may lateral elbow pain ay tumatanggap ng diagnosis na iba sa lateral elbow tendinopathy. Ang pisikal na pagsusuri ng siko ay isang kritikal na bahagi sa pagbuo ng tumpak na diagnosis. Kung patuloy o lumalala ang iyong sakit, susuriin ka ng iyong surgeon upang matiyak na tama ang pagkakakilanlan ng sanhi. Tinitiyak nito na makakatanggap ka ng tamang gabay para sa iyong partikular na sitwasyon.

Ano ang nangyayari talaga

Ang tennis elbow ay isang sugat dahil sa pagkasira o pagkapagod ng mga tendon sa labas ng iyong siko. Ang mga tendon na ito ang nag-uugnay sa mga kalamnan ng iyong forearms sa butong bulsa sa labas ng iyong siko. Ang kondisyong ito ay kilala rin bilang lateral epicondylitis. Ang sakit ay nagmumula sa mga maliit na sugat at pamamaga sa mga tendon na ito.

Ang pangunahing tendon na kabilang ay dumudugtong sa kalamnan na extensor carpi radialis brevis. Ang kalamnang ito ay tumutulong sa iyo na i-extend ang iyong pulso at mga daliri. Kapag humawak ka ng mga bagay o nagtatayo ng mga bagay, ang tendon na ito ay tumatanggap ng maraming presyon. Sa paglipas ng panahon, ang paulit-ulit na stress ay nagdudulot ng pagkasira ng mga hibla ng tendon. Hindi sapat ang kakayahan ng katawan na ayusin ang pinsalang ito nang mabilis. Ito ang nagdudulot ng sakit at kahinaan sa iyong forearm at siko.

Ang natural na proseso ng paggaling ng iyong katawan ay medyo mabagal. Ang mga sintomas ng tennis elbow ay may matatag na half-life na tatlo hanggang apat na buwan. Ibig sabihin, kailangan ng ganun katagal upang mabawasan ang sakit ng kalahati, kahit walang gamot. Humigit-kumulang 90% ng mga taong may hindi ginagamot na tennis elbow ay nakaranas ng pagwawakas ng mga sintomas sa loob ng 1 taon. Ang probabilidad ng paggaling ay nanatiling katamtaman sa loob ng isang taong panahon, anuman ang tagal ng mga sintomas bago ito.

Dahil ang karamihan sa mga kaso ay nagwawakas nang sarili, hindi laging kailangan ang operasyon. Ang tennis elbow ay nagwawakas sa loob ng 6 buwan sa karamihan ng mga kaso, anuman ang gamit na paggamot. Ang karamihan sa mga kaso ng lateral epicondylitis ay tumutugon sa angkop na mga protocol ng nonoperative na paggamot. Ang iyong surgeon ay malamang na magsisimula sa pahinga, physical therapy, o paggamit ng brace.

Ang paggamit ng counterforce bracing ay nagdudulot ng malaking pagbaba sa dalas at lakas ng sakit sa maikling panahon (2-12 linggo) kumpara sa isang placebo brace. Ang counterforce bracing ay nagpapabuti ng kabuuang pagganap ng siko sa 26 linggo kumpara sa isang placebo brace. Ang mga konservatibong hakbang na ito ay nagbibigay ng oras sa iyong tendon na gumaling.

Ang operasyon ay isinasalang-ala lamang kung mabigo ang mga paraang ito. Ang patuloy na mga sintomas ng tennis elbow ay isang mahinang indikasyon para sa operasyon dahil ang karamihan sa mga pasyente ay nakaranas ng pagwawakas ng mga sintomas nang walang ito. Hindi maaring mahulaan ng mga surgeon kung sino ang magpapabuti o hindi sa nonoperative na paggamot ng chronic na tennis elbow. Para sa maliit na porsyento ng mga pasyente na hindi tumutugon sa mga nonoperative na paraan, ang operasyon ay nagbibigay ng halos 90% na antas ng kasiyahan.

Ang layunin ng arthroscopic na tennis elbow release ay alisin ang nasirang tissue. Ito ay nagbibigay-daan upang lumaki muli ang malusog na tissue. Ang mga arthroscopic at open na lateral release procedures ay magkaiba, kung saan ang mga arthroscopic na procedures ay nag-aalok ng kakayahang ganap na suriin ang siko sa loob ng kasu-kasuan (intra-articularly). Ang arthroscopic na tennis elbow release ay nagbibigay ng pagpapabuti ng sintomas sa karamihan ng mga pasyente na may lateral epicondylitis.

Mga maitutulong namin dito

Sa Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, pinapamagatan ni Dr. Kieran Hirpara ang tennis elbow na may pokus sa natural na paggaling. Karamihan sa mga kaso ay gumagaling nang sarili. Humigit-kumulang 90% ng mga tao ay nakakakita ng paglaya ng kanilang mga sintomas sa loob ng isang taon, kahit walang gamot. Mayroong matatag na kalahating-buhay ang kondisyon na tatlong hanggang apat na buwan, ibig sabihin ay unti-unting nawawala ang mga sintomas sa paglipas ng panahon. Karaniwang inirerekomenda namin na magsimula sa pamamahala sa sarili at pisikal na terapiya. Maaari mong subukang pahingahin ang braso at baguhin ang mga gawain na nagdudulot ng sakit. Layunin ng pisikal na terapiya na palakasin ang mga kalamnan ng forearms at mapabuti ang flexibility. Karamihan sa mga pasyente ay gumagaling sa loob ng anim na buwan gamit ang mga pamantayang konservatibong pagsusuri.

Kung patuloy pa rin ang sakit, maaari naming pag-usapan ang mga opsyon sa medikal na pamamahala. Kasama rito ang simplang gamot pang-alis ng sakit at mga gamot laban sa pamamaga. Ang mga injection ay isa pang opsyon, bagaman ipinapakita ng ebidensya na nagbibigay lamang ito ng kaunting pag-alis ng sakit at maaaring magdagdag ng panganib ng mga side effects. Ang mga tratamiento tulad ng platelet-rich plasma o autologous blood injections ay hindi nagbabawas ng sakit o nagpapabuti ng function para sa kondisyong ito. Maaaring magbigay ng maikling panahong pag-alis ng sakit ang cortisone injections, ngunit madalas na nawawala ang epekto habang ang underlying tendon ay dahan-dahang gumagaling. Ipinapaliwanag namin ang mga opsyong ito nang malinaw upang makapili ka ng nararamdaman mong tama para sa iyo.

Ang operasyon ay isinasaalang-alang lamang kapag ang non-operative care ay hindi nagbigay ng sapat na pagpapabuti pagkatapos ng makatwirang panahon ng pagsubok. Ang mga persistent na sintomas ay isang mahinang indikasyon para sa operasyon dahil karamihan sa mga pasyente ay gumagaling nang walang ito. Hindi namin maaaring maaasahan na maipredict kung sino ang magpapabuti o hindi sa nonoperative treatment. Kung kinakailangan ang operasyon, ang arthroscopic tennis elbow release ay nagbibigay ng symptomatic improvement sa karamihan ng mga pasyente. Para sa maliit na porsyento ng mga pasyente na hindi tumutugon sa mga nonoperative na pamamaraan, nagbibigay ang operasyon ng halos 90% na antas ng kasiyahan. Itinuturing namin ito bilang isang shared decision, tinitiyak na nauunawaan mo ang mga benepisyo at panganib bago magpatuloy.

Ano ang inaasahan

Ang tennis elbow ay isang kondisyon na madalas na gumagaling nang sarili. Humigit-kumulang 90% ng mga tao ay nakakakita ng paglaya ng kanilang mga sintomas sa loob ng isang taon, kahit walang partikular na paggamot. Ang proseso ng paggaling ay sumusunod sa isang matatag na pattern. Ang half-life ng mga sintomas ay tatlo hanggang apat na buwan, ibig sabihin ay unti-unting nawawala ito sa paglipas ng panahon. Tama ang timeline na ito anuman ang tagal ng iyong pagkakaroon ng sakit. Ang mas mahabang tagal ng sintomas ay hindi nagpapahiwatig ng mas masamang resulta. Karamihan sa mga kaso ay nalulutas sa loob ng anim na buwan, anuman ang ginamit na pamamaraan.

Dahil madalas na natural na gumagaling ang katawan, bihira ang operasyon na unang hakbang. Hindi maaaring maasahan ng iyong surgeon kung sino ang magpapagaling sa pamamagitan ng non-surgical na pag-aalaga at kung sino hindi. Kaya’t ang nabigong non-surgical na paggamot lamang ay hindi malakas na dahilan upang pumili ng operasyon. Nakatuon kami sa pamamahala ng iyong mga sintomas habang ginagawa ng iyong katawan ang kanyang trabaho. Ang patuloy na sakit ay mahinang indikasyon na kailangan mo ng operasyon, dahil ang karamihan sa mga pasyente ay gumagaling nang walang ito.

Para sa maliit na porsyento ng mga pasyente na hindi tumutugon sa mga non-surgical na pamamaraan, nag-aalok ang operasyon ng malinaw na landas. Sa mga kasyong ito, inaasahan mo ang halos 90% na antas ng kasiyahan. Ang mga surgical na interbensyon ay itinuturing na opsyonal. Dapat lamang itong piliin kung nag-aalok ito ng benepisyo na higit pa sa natural na proseso ng paggaling o epekto ng placebo. Kapag nabigo ang non-surgical na paggamot, nag-aalok ang mga surgical na opsyon ng mataas na antas ng tagumpay para sa mga nananatiling nakakulong sa sakit.

Ang panganib ng mga komplikasyon ay karaniwang mababa at katulad sa iba’t ibang mga teknika ng operasyon. Ang insidensya ng pagkabigo na nangangailangan ng revision surgery ay 1.5% lamang. Ang tatlo o higit pang preoperative na injeksyon ang pinakamahalagang risk factor para sa pagkakaroon ng revision surgery. Ang mga bukas na teknika ng operasyon (open surgical techniques) ay nag-aalok ng mahusay na resulta na may mababang antas ng komplikasyon sa long-term na follow-up. Maaari kang payuhan na ang iyong panganib ng infectious complications ay bahagyang mas mataas sa mga open releases kumpara sa ibang mga teknika.

Ang paggaling ay pakiramdam na iba para sa bawat isa. May mga pasyente na nakakaranas ng malaking pagtaas ng function sa loob ng maikling panahon ng rehabilitation. May iba naman na makakakita ng bahagyang limitasyon sa range of motion o, bihira, heterotopic ossification (paglago ng buto sa malambot na tisyu) pagkatapos ng mga arthroscopic na proseso. Mahalaga ang pagtuon sa mga itaas na bahagi ng iyong braso, bukod sa siko, para sa kumpletong pamamahala. Layunin naming tulungan kang bumalik sa iyong mga araw-araw na gawain na may minimong pagkagulo at pangmatagalang pagpapagaan.

Kailan kumonsulta sa doktor

Kumonsulta sa iyong doktor kung hindi gumagaling ang sakit sa iyong siko pagkatapos ng ilang linggo ng pahinga. Ang karamihan sa mga tao ay gumagaling sa loob ng anim na buwan nang walang operasyon. Humigit-kumulang 90% ng mga tao ay nakakakita ng paglala ng kanilang mga sintomas sa loob ng isang taon, kahit walang paggamot. Mananatiling pareho ang pagkakataon para gumaling, anuman ang tagal ng sakit na iyong nararanasan. Humingi ng pagsusuri ng espesyalista kung mapapansin mo ang kahinaan, kawalan ng katatagan, o kung ang sakit ay nagpapagising sa iyo sa gabi. Ang biglaang paglala ay nangangailangan din ng pagsusuri. Sasaliksikin ng iyong surgeon ang iyong siko upang kumpirmahin ang diagnosis. Mahalagang pagsusuring pisikal ito dahil halos kalahati ng mga pasyente na may sakit sa gilid ng siko ay may ibang kondisyon kaysa tennis elbow.


Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

  • Tennis elbow diagnosis and treatment concepts impact work participation [1].
  • About 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieve symptom resolution at 1 year [2].
  • Elbow arthroscopy is a safe modality of treatment for a variety of pathologies in experienced hands [4].
  • Numerous treatment options exist for epicondylitis, but no single universally accepted protocol has emerged [5].
  • Most patients with lateral epicondylitis resolve spontaneously or with standard conservative management [7].
  • Refractory cases of lateral epicondylitis may benefit from interventional therapies or surgical approaches [7].
  • There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of surgery for lateral elbow pain due to small study numbers, large heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and poor outcome reporting [10].
  • Pooled data from randomized controlled trials indicate a lack of intermediate- to long-term clinical benefit after nonsurgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis compared with observation only or placebo [11].
  • Failed surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis is multifactorial, and distinguishing the cause is critical for appropriate management [12].
  • There is wide variability of treatments offered when physiotherapy fails patients with tennis elbow [14].
  • Most patients with lateral epicondylosis experience relief with non-operative management [16].
  • Controversy remains regarding the optimal modality for quickest recovery and the role of surgical intervention for refractory cases of lateral epicondylosis [16].
  • Surgical intervention for refractory medial epicondylitis often has a high success rate with patients generally demonstrating an improvement in patient-reported outcomes [24].
  • Patients with refractory medial epicondylitis have an encouraging number returning to work with limited complications after surgical intervention [24].
  • Current research evidence suggests that surgery for tennis elbow is no more effective than nonsurgical treatment, based on evidence with significant methodological limitations [26].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

  • Tennis elbow is a degenerative disease [8].
  • The onset of tennis elbow is hastened by overuse of the arm and elbow [8].
  • Lateral epicondylitis is associated with combined physical exertion and elbow movements [3].
  • Biomechanical exposure involving wrist and/or elbow at work is associated with the incidence of lateral epicondylitis [34].
  • Repetitive exposure to bending or straightening the elbow is a significant risk factor for medial and lateral epicondylitis [48].
  • Self-reported physical exposures implicating repetitive and extensive/prolonged wrist bend/twisting and forearm movements are associated with incident cases of lateral and medial epicondylitis [50].
  • Hypoechogenicity and bone changes indicate the presence of a stressed common extensor origin-lateral epicondyle complex in elbows with lateral epicondylalgia [13].
  • Increased MRI signal in the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) origin is common in both symptomatic and asymptomatic elbows [31].
  • The common extensor tendon (CET) is thicker in men and in the dominant elbow [49].
  • There is no difference in CET thickness regarding age groups [49].
  • Lateral epicondylalgia is characterized by considerable terminological heterogeneity and a lack of clear, recognized diagnostic criteria [17].
  • Accurate diagnosis of medial epicondylitis requires distinguishing it from other elbow conditions [9].
  • Treatment of medial epicondylitis is guided by the specific pathologic stage of the tendon [9].
  • Persistent lateral elbow pain can result from overlooked posterolateral impingement of the elbow [22].
  • Understanding the static and dynamic anatomy of the lateral part of the elbow is necessary for developing future treatment and preventive strategies [22].
  • Arthroscopic tennis elbow release involves establishing a proximal medial or superomedial portal located approximately 2 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle and 1 cm anterior to the intermuscular septum [42].
  • During arthroscopic tennis elbow release, the joint is distended with 20 to 30 mL of saline through an 18-gauge needle introduced through the direct lateral portal [42].
  • A 2.7-mm, 30-degree arthroscope is introduced into the joint through the proximal medial or superomedial portal, maintaining contact with the anterior aspect of the humerus [42].
  • A superolateral portal is established with an 18-gauge needle through the lesion to identify the undersurface of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon [42].
  • Pathologic tendinous attachment of the extensor carpi radialis brevis is debrided using a curet and motorized shaver, and the lateral epicondyle is decorticated [42].
  • Decortication of the lateral epicondyle and lateral epicondylar ridge can be performed with an arthroscopic burr, handheld instruments, or electrocautery [42].
  • A 70-degree arthroscope may be required in rare instances during arthroscopic tennis elbow release [42].
  • Heterotopic ossification (HO) can develop after elbow arthroscopy for lateral epicondylitis [15].

Classification

  • Tennis elbow is considered a degenerative disease [8].
  • There is considerable terminological heterogeneity in the description of lateral elbow pain (LEP) [17].
  • There is a lack of clear and recognised diagnostic criteria for evaluating and treating patients with lateral elbow pain [17].
  • Persistent tennis elbow symptoms have little prognostic value [2].
  • No single universally accepted protocol has emerged for the treatment of epicondylitis [5].
  • There is little clear consensus on which modality works best for both conservative and operative options for lateral epicondylitis [29].
  • The understanding of the disease process of lateral epicondylitis is currently incomplete [29].
  • Failed surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis is multifactorial [12].
  • Distinguishing the cause of failed surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis is critical for appropriate management [12].

Clinical Presentation

  • Tennis elbow is a degenerative disease whose onset is hastened by overuse of the arm and elbow [8].
  • Lateral epicondylitis is a common, generally self-limiting tendinosis affecting patients aged 35 to 55 years [37].
  • Lateral elbow tendinosis is relatively common, particularly among individuals aged 40 to 49 years [20].
  • Lateral epicondylitis is a condition that is usually self-limited, resolving over a 12- to 18-month period without treatment [27].
  • Nonoperative treatment for lateral and medial epicondylitis in athletes has a success rate of up to 90% [28].
  • Lateral epicondylitis often resolves spontaneously, warranting considerable circumspection before embarking on treatment [18].
  • Work-related risk factors for lateral epicondylitis include combined physical exertion and elbow movements [3].
  • There is considerable terminological heterogeneity in the description of lateral elbow pain (LEP), associated with a lack of clear and recognised diagnostic criteria [17].
  • The presence of hypoechogenicity and bone changes indicates a stressed common extensor origin-lateral epicondyle complex in elbows with lateral epicondylalgia [13].

Investigations

  • Tennis elbow is a degenerative disease, the onset of which is hastened by overuse of the arm and elbow [8].
  • Combined physical exertion and elbow movements are strongly associated with lateral epicondylitis [3].
  • Accurate diagnosis requires distinguishing lateral epicondylitis from other elbow conditions [9].
  • Treatment is guided by the specific pathologic stage of the tendon in epicondylitis [9].
  • No single universally accepted protocol has emerged for the diagnosis and management of epicondylitis [5].
  • The presence of hypoechogenicity and bone changes indicates presence of a stressed common extensor origin-lateral epicondyle complex in elbows with lateral epicondylalgia [13].
  • There is evidence to support the use of ultrasound in the detection of lateral epicondylitis [52].
  • Routine use of MRI for the diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis is low [41].
  • Lateral epicondyle calcifications are much more common in lateral epicondylitis than previously reported, possibly owing to modern digital radiography and magnification [53].
  • Lateral epicondyle calcifications do not appear to be related to clinical factors including patient-reported measures [53].

Treatment

Natural History and Prognosis

  • Approximately 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieve symptom resolution at 1 year based on placebo or no-treatment control arms of randomized trials [2].
  • Lateral epicondylitis is a self-limited condition that usually resolves over a 12- to 18-month period without treatment [27].
  • Lateral epicondylitis has a self-limiting course of 12 to 18 months, with most patients well-managed with non-operative treatment and activity modification [35].
  • The prognosis for medial epicondylitis in occupational settings is good, with a 3-year recovery rate of 81% [19].

Non-Operative Management

  • Nonsurgical treatment is the mainstay of management for lateral epicondylitis, involving options such as rest, physical therapy, and injections [38].
  • Most patients with tennis elbow experience relief with non-operative management [16].
  • Corticosteroid injections provide significant short-term benefits for tennis elbow, but these benefits are reversed after six weeks with high recurrence rates, implying the treatment should be used with caution [21].
  • Peri-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) treatment for tennis elbow was significantly better than control in improving pain at rest and after maximal grip testing [36].
  • Normal saline (NS) injections yielded a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in pain and functional outcomes in patients with lateral epicondylitis [39].
  • Local platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections were associated with superior outcomes for reducing pain and improving elbow joint function compared with local corticosteroid treatment for lateral epicondylitis at a follow-up of 6 months [40].
  • Further investigations are needed regarding the effectiveness of eccentric exercise therapy for epicondylar tendinopathy [6].

Operative Management

  • Surgical intervention for refractory medial epicondylitis often has a high success rate, with patients generally demonstrating an improvement in patient-reported outcomes and an encouraging number returning to work with limited complications [24].
  • Surgical options for tennis elbow are reserved for recalcitrant cases [28].
  • There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of surgery for lateral elbow pain due to a small number of studies, large heterogeneity in interventions, small sample sizes, and poor reporting of outcomes [10].

Clinical Practice and Consensus

  • While numerous treatment options exist for epicondylitis, no single universally accepted protocol has emerged [5].
  • There is little clear consensus on which modality works best for both conservative and operative options for lateral epicondylitis, indicating that the understanding of the disease process is currently incomplete [29].
  • There is wide variability of treatments offered when physiotherapy fails patients with tennis elbow in UK clinical practice [14].

Complications

  • Corticosteroid injection for tennis elbow provides significant short-term benefits but reverses after six weeks with high recurrence rates [21].
  • Corticosteroid injections have a short-term beneficial effect on lateral epicondylitis but a negative effect in the intermediate term [25].
  • Heterotopic ossification (HO) has been reported as a complication following elbow arthroscopy for lateral epicondylitis [15].
  • Short-term complication rates appear comparable between open and arthroscopic surgical treatment for lateral epicondylitis [43].
  • Medial elbow pain during the return-to-throwing period after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in pitchers is associated with an increased risk for further surgical intervention [45].

Recovery

  • Enthesopathy of the extensor carpi radialis brevis origin is a benign, self-limiting disorder with a natural history of spontaneous resolution [33].
  • No treatments have been proven to alter the course of enthesopathy of the extensor carpi radialis brevis origin [33].
  • The prognosis for medial epicondylitis in occupational settings was good with a 3-year recovery rate at 81% [19].
  • Poor prognosis at 1 year of follow-up for lateral epicondylitis was related to manual work and high baseline pain [46].
  • No relation was found between the type of medical treatment given or chosen and prognosis for lateral epicondylitis at 1 year [46].
  • Corticosteroid injections have a short-term beneficial effect on lateral epicondylitis [25].
  • Corticosteroid injections have a negative effect in the intermediate term for lateral epicondylitis [25].
  • The significant short-term benefits of corticosteroid injection are paradoxically reversed after six weeks, with high recurrence rates [21].
  • Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) was related to better effects in lateral epicondylitis [30].
  • Symptom duration of longer than 6 months was related to better effects with radial ESWT for lateral epicondylitis [30].
  • Short follow-up duration (less than 24 weeks) was related to better effects with radial ESWT for lateral epicondylitis [30].
  • Due to heterogeneity in studies regarding disorder duration, shock wave therapy type, frequency, dose, management type, control group, follow-up timing, and outcomes assessed, a pooled meta-analysis of shock wave therapy for lateral elbow tendinopathy was considered inappropriate [55].
  • Controversy remains regarding the optimal modality for quickest recovery in lateral epicondylosis [16].
  • Controversy remains regarding the role of surgical intervention for refractory cases of lateral epicondylosis [16].

Key Evidence

  • [L4] This review gives an overview of the current concepts of diagnosis and treatment of tennis elbow and the impact on work participation. [1] (10.1177/1758573218797973)
  • [L1] Based on the placebo or no-treatment control arms of randomized trials, about 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieve symptom resolution at 1 year. [2] (10.1097/corr.0000000000002058)
  • [L4] This study emphasizes the strength of the associations between combined physical exertion and elbow movements and lateral epicondylitis. [3] (10.1002/ajim.22140)
  • [L4] In experienced hands, elbow arthroscopy is a safe modality of treatment for a variety of pathologies. [4] (10.1016/j.arthro.2007.03.080)
  • [L5] This article is a review of recently published information on elbow tendinopathy and tendon ruptures intended to assist clinicians in diagnosis and management, noting that while numerous treatment options exist for epicondylitis, no single universally accepted protocol has emerged. [5] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.01.022)
  • [L2] Further investigations are needed, not only focused on shoulder impingement or epicondylar tendinopathy, but on tendinopathies in other areas of the upper limb. [6] (10.1016/j.jsams.2015.06.007)
  • [L4] Most patients with lateral epicondylitis resolve spontaneously or with standard conservative management, but refractory cases may benefit from interventional therapies or surgical approaches. [7] (10.5397/cise.2019.22.4.227)
  • [L4] The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that tennis elbow is a degenerative disease, the onset of which is hastened by overuse of the arm and elbow. [8] (10.1177/036354657900700405)
  • [L5] Accurate diagnosis requires distinguishing it from other elbow conditions, and treatment is guided by the specific pathologic stage of the tendon. [9] (10.1016/j.csm.2004.04.011)
  • [L1] Due to a small number of studies, large heterogeneity in interventions across trials, small sample sizes and poor reporting of outcomes, there was insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of surgery for lateral elbow pain. [10] (10.1002/14651858.cd003525.pub2)
  • [L1] Pooled data from RCTs indicate a lack of intermediate- to long-term clinical benefit after nonsurgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis compared with observation only or placebo. [11] (10.1007/s11999-014-4022-y)
  • [L5] Failed surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis is multifactorial, and distinguishing the cause is critical for appropriate management. [12] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2023.07.006)
  • [L4] The presence of hypoechogenicity and bone changes indicates presence of a stressed common extensor origin-lateral epicondyle complex in elbows with lateral epicondylalgia. [13] (10.1186/1471-2342-14-10)
  • [L4] There is wide variability of treatments offered when physiotherapy fails patients with tennis elbow. [14] (10.1177/1758573217738199)
  • [L4] To our knowledge, we present the first case of HO development after elbow arthroscopy for lateral epicondylitis. [15] (10.1177/1558944716668844)
  • [L5] This article serves to provide an updated review of the various treatment options and management for lateral epicondylosis, noting that while most patients experience relief with non-operative management, controversy remains regarding the optimal modality for quickest recovery and the role of surgical intervention for refractory cases. [16] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.07.003)
  • [L1] In this SR, a considerable terminological heterogeneity emerged in the description of LEP, associated with the lack of clear and recognised diagnostic criteria in evaluating and treating patients with lateral elbow pain. [17] (10.3390/healthcare10061095)
  • [L4] Overall, the available data suggest that lateral epicondylitis often resolves spontaneously, warranting considerable circumspection before embarking on treatment. [18] (10.1016/j.otsr.2019.09.004)
  • [L2] The prognosis for medial epicondylitis in this population was good with a 3-year recovery rate at 81%. [19] (10.1097/01.jom.0000085888.37273.d9)
  • [L3] The study indicates that lateral elbow tendinosis is relatively common, particularly among individuals aged 40 to 49 years. [20] (10.1177/0363546514568087)
  • [L1] The significant short term benefits of corticosteroid injection are paradoxically reversed after six weeks, with high recurrence rates, implying that this treatment should be used with caution in the management of tennis elbow. [21] (10.1136/bmj.38961.584653.ae)
  • [L4] Further understanding of the static and dynamic anatomy of the lateral part of the elbow will help to develop future treatment and preventive strategies. [22] (10.5397/cise.2023.01081)
  • [L4] Surgical intervention for refractory medial epicondylitis often has a high success rate with patients generally demonstrating an improvement in patient-reported outcomes and an encouraging number returning to work with limited complications. [24] (10.1177/03635465221095565)
  • [L1] Corticosteroid injections have a shortterm beneficial effect on lateral epicondylitis, but a negative effect in the intermediate term. [25] (10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003564)
  • [L1] Current research evidence suggests that surgery for tennis elbow is no more effective than nonsurgical treatment based on evidence with significant methodological limitations. [26] (10.1177/1758573217745041)
  • [L2] Lateral epicondylitis is a condition that is usually self-limited, resolving over a 12- to 18-month period without treatment. [27] (10.1007/s11552-014-9642-x)
  • [Paper] The article reviews the pathology, clinical presentation, and treatment options for lateral and medial epicondylitis in athletes, noting that nonoperative treatment has a success rate of up to 90% and that surgical options are reserved for recalcitrant cases. [28] (10.1016/j.csm.2010.06.009)
  • [L4] Although many treatments have been advocated for lateral epicondylitis, there is little clear consensus on which modality works best for both conservative and operative options, indicating that the understanding of the disease process is currently incomplete. [29] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.07.019)
  • [L1] Radial ESWT, symptom duration of longer than 6 months, and short follow-up duration (less than 24 weeks) were related to better effects. [30] (10.1097/corr.0000000000001246)
  • [L4] Increased MRI signal in the ECRB origin is common in symptomatic and in asymptomatic elbows. [31] (10.1016/j.jse.2016.01.033)
  • [L5] Enthesopathy of the extensor carpi radialis brevis origin is a benign, self-limiting disorder with a natural history of spontaneous resolution, for which no treatments have been proven to alter the course. [33] (10.5435/jaaos-d-15-00233)
  • [L2] The results of this meta-analysis strongly support the hypothesis of an association between biomechanical exposure involving wrist and/or elbow at work and incidence of lateral epicondylitis. [34] (10.1002/acr.22874)
  • [L5] Lateral epicondylitis is a common condition with a self-limiting course of 12 to 18 months, and most patients are well-managed with non-operative treatment and activity modification, though many surgical techniques exist for refractory symptoms. [35] (10.1302/2058-5241.1.000049)
  • [L1] Peri-articular HA treatment for tennis elbow was significantly better than control in improving pain at rest and after maximal grip testing. [36] (10.1186/1758-2555-2-4)
  • [L5] Lateral epicondylitis is a common, generally self-limiting tendinosis affecting patients aged 35 to 55 years. [37] (10.1302/0301-620x.95b9.29285)
  • [L5] Nonsurgical treatment is the mainstay of management for lateral epicondylitis, involving options such as rest, physical therapy, and injections. [38] (10.5435/00124635-200801000-00004)
  • [L1] NS injections yielded a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in pain and functional outcomes in patients with lateral epicondylitis. [39] (10.1177/0363546519899644)
  • [L1] Local PRP injections was associated with superior outcomes for reducing pain and improving elbow joint function compared with local corticosteroids treatment for LE at a follow-up of 6 months. [40] (10.1016/j.ijsu.2019.05.003)
  • [L3] Although there is variation in the use of MRI for lateral epicondylitis and its use is associated with downstream effects, the routine use of MRI for the diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis is low. [41] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.03.025)
  • [L3] Surgical management of lateral epicondylitis varies depending on surgeons' fellowship training, and short-term complication rates appear comparable between open and arthroscopic treatment. [43] (10.1016/j.arthro.2017.04.078)
  • [L3] Those who experience medial elbow pain are at increased risk for further surgical intervention. [45] (10.1177/2325967118808782)
  • [L2] Poor prognosis at 1yr of follow-up for lateral epicondylitis was related to manual work and high baseline pain, whilst no relation was found between the type of medical treatment given/chosen and prognosis. [46] (10.1093/rheumatology/keg360)
  • [L4] Repetitive exposure to bending/straightening the elbow was a significant risk factor for medial and lateral epicondylitis. [48] (10.1093/rheumatology/ker228)
  • [L3] This study presents the US characteristics and normal values of the CET, finding that the tendon was thicker in men and in the dominant elbow with no difference regarding age groups. [49] (10.1177/2325967117704186)
  • [L2] Self-reported physical exposures that implicate repetitive and extensive/prolonged wrist bend/twisting and forearm movements were associated with incident cases of lateral and medial epicondylitis in a large longitudinal study. [50] (10.1136/oemed-2012-101341)
  • [L2] There is evidence to support the use of ultrasound in the detection of lateral epicondylitis. [52] (10.1016/j.otsr.2014.01.006)
  • [L4] Lateral epicondyle calcifications are much more common in lateral epicondylitis than previously reported, possibly owing to modern digital radiography and magnification, although they do not appear to be related to clinical factors including patient-reported measures. [53] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.03.016)
  • [L1] With current studies heterogeneous in terms of the duration of the disorder; type, frequency and total dose of SWT; period of time between SWT; type of management and control group; timing of follow-up and outcomes assessed, a pooled meta-analysis of SWT for lateral elbow tendinopathy was considered inappropriate. [55] (10.1093/bmb/ldm019)

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