网球肘 资料 In-depth

本页面由机器翻译,尚未经临床医生审核。英文版本为权威版本。

您的感受

网球肘是肘部外侧的疼痛,位于前臂肌肉附着的骨性突起处。当该处的肌腱发生磨损和刺激时,就会出现这种情况。它最常见于35至65岁的人群,影响约3%的人。

抓握、提举或扭转时疼痛会加剧。转动门把手、拿咖啡杯、倒水壶或提购物袋都可能诱发疼痛。按压肘部外侧通常会有压痛。在阻力下伸直手腕或手指,例如掌心向下提重物,也常会引发疼痛。

疼痛往往在活动后加剧,夜间或清晨也可能感到酸痛。数周内,疼痛可能蔓延至日常生活。有些人发现由于疼痛,工作和社交活动受到限制。约20%的网球肘患者疼痛严重到足以限制其工作和日常生活。

好消息是,网球肘通常会自行好转。症状通常在三到四个月内逐渐缓解,无论采用何种治疗方法,大多数病例在6个月内都会痊愈。约90%未接受治疗的网球肘患者发现其症状在1年内消失。即使您已疼痛很长时间,未来一年的康复几率也基本保持不变。

由于通常能自行好转,大多数人不需要手术。手术通常仅保留给少数通过其他治疗疼痛未改善的患者。

实际发生了什么

疼痛部位是一根名为桡侧腕短伸肌的肌腱。它将您的手腕和手指肌肉固定在肘部外侧的骨骼上。可以将其想象为将帆固定在桅杆上的绳索。每一次抓握、提举和扭转都会拉扯这根绳索。

在反复的劳损下,绳索开始磨损。身体的常规修复过程无法跟上,因此肌腱纤维变得无序,而不是强韧且排列整齐。尽管“肱骨外上髁炎”这一名称暗示了炎症,但这并非肿胀或炎症的急性发作。这是一种磨损问题,更像是一根磨损的绳索,而非一根烧焦的绳索,这就是为什么当您使用手部时疼痛会反复出现的原因。

磨损恰好发生在肌腱与骨骼的交界处,当您的肘部伸直且手掌朝下时,该处的负荷会增加。这与引起您疼痛的动作相符:抓握、手掌朝下提举、扭转把手。您的肘部对自身在空间中位置的感知也可能变得不那么准确,并且当您抓握时,肘部后方的小肌肉未能如预期般启动。这就是为什么问题不仅仅在于肌腱本身。照顾您的颈部、肩部和整条手臂同样重要,而不仅仅是肘部。

如果疼痛持续很长时间,随后您再次损伤肘部,附近用于稳定关节的韧带也可能受到拉伤。这可能导致肘部不仅疼痛,还会感觉不稳定,这也是某些肘部无法通过简单治疗缓解的原因之一。

我们可以采取的措施

Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton 的上肢外科医生 Kieran Hirpara 医生会从适合您病情的最微创方案入手。患者通常由全科医生转诊至我们的诊所;如果理疗师建议您就诊,您仍需获得全科医生的转诊,才有资格享受 Medicare 报销。在您的首次就诊时,我们会采集病史,检查您的肘部,并在必要时安排影像学检查。

大多数网球肘无需手术即可痊愈,因此我们通常从非手术治疗开始。您可以通过改变工作和生活中的抓握、提举及扭转方式,来减轻肌腱的负荷。理疗旨在缓解疼痛,并重建您手腕和前臂的力量。请在数月内坚持尝试。即使疼痛已持续较长时间,恢复的可能性在第一年内基本保持不变。

止痛药和抗炎药可以缓解部分症状,但其缓解效果有限,且可能引起副作用。注射是我们可能会讨论的选项之一。皮质类固醇可在短期内缓解疼痛。透明质酸是一种润滑液,注射于肌腱周围。富血小板血浆使用您自身的血液样本,经处理以浓缩愈合细胞,然后注射到肌腱中。在共同决定哪种方案适合您之前,我们会详细讲解每种方案的具体内容及效果可能持续的时长。

当上述治疗未能带来足够的改善,且疼痛仍然限制您的工作或日常生活时,我们会考虑手术。手术会清除附着在肘部外侧骨骼上的磨损、磨损部分的肌腱。我们将其视为共同决策,在您了解手术的具体内容及其能为您做什么、不能为您做什么之后,共同做出决定。

预期情况

网球肘的预后总体良好,您已阅读过相关数据:无论采用何种治疗方法,大多数肘部症状会在一年内得到缓解。疼痛通常会逐渐减轻,而非一夜之间消失。在数周至数月的时间内,您应会注意到疼痛发作的频率降低、程度减轻,以及日常抓握动作(如提水壶或拧门把手)变得更容易。长期疼痛并不会降低您的康复几率。

如果简单的治疗方法无法使您的肘部症状缓解,手术仍是一条合理的治疗途径。针对长期网球肘的某些手术报告的成功率为75%至80%。

值得了解的是,手术并非保证治愈。少数人(约1.5%)日后可能需要再次手术。术前接受三次或更多次注射会增加再次手术的可能性。与任何手术一样,存在感染或僵硬等一般风险,且某些手术可能导致肘部僵硬程度略高于术前。

因此,实际情况是:您的肘部最有可能自行缓解,或通过物理治疗及合理调整手臂使用方式得到改善。如果未能缓解,手术对大多数走到这一步的患者有帮助,但并非对所有人都有效。

何时就医

大多数网球肘会自行好转,因此时间通常是主要的治疗方式。如果肘部外侧疼痛持续超过 6 周,或者疼痛影响工作或睡眠,请咨询您的全科医生(GP)。如果经过数月的简单治疗和物理治疗仍未见效,或者您的肘部除了疼痛外还感觉不稳,请要求专科医生评估,因为韧带拉伤有时可能是问题的一部分。请告知您的全科医生您接受过多少次注射,因为在任何手术之前接受三次或更多次类固醇注射,会增加日后进行进一步手术的可能性。如果您注意到疼痛伴有局部发热、发红或发烧,请立即咨询您的全科医生,而不是等待其自行缓解。

深入探讨

Advanced reading: the deeper science (optional)

本节内容超出了您自身治疗决策所需的范围。网球肘值得额外阅读,因为它是那些在第一个月感觉最有效的治疗方法,到年底时效果反而最差的病症之一。

该病症大多会缓慢自愈

若不予干预,网球肘通常会自行缓解。在下文讨论的试验中,被随机分配至单纯观察组(未接受注射或物理治疗)的患者在52周时接受再评估,62例中有56例(90%)报告症状显著改善或完全康复 [1]。

这一数据是衡量所有治疗手段的基准。只有当干预措施的效果优于自然恢复时,才具有价值,而自然恢复通常是最终结果。

皮质类固醇悖论

一项里程碑式的随机对照试验比较了皮质类固醇注射、物理治疗以及单纯等待,并对受试者进行了为期一年的随访 [1]。

在六周时,注射效果看起来极佳。注射组报告成功率为 65 人中的 51 人(78%),而等待组为 60 人中的 16 人(27%),需治数为 2 [1]。

随后情况发生逆转。在早期成功者中,65 人中的 47 人(72%) 随后出现病情反复。到 52 周时,注射组在所有结局指标上均显著差于物理治疗组,并且在三项主要指标中的两项上差于未采取任何措施的人群 [1]。

作者自己的解释值得重申:注射迅速缓解疼痛,导致人们在肌腱实际上尚未愈合的情况下恢复负荷。该试验的结论是,在网球肘中皮质类固醇“应谨慎使用”,对于大多数人预期会提供的这种治疗而言,这是一个引人注目的说法。

这就是为什么在此处进行注射是一个关于短期功能的审慎决策,而非默认选项,也是为什么它不能替代负荷训练方案的原因。

那么,哪些措施值得采取

在六周时,物理治疗在所有指标上均优于等待观察;到52周时,两组已无法区分,因为两组中几乎所有人都已康复 [1]。因此,其价值在于让您更快地度过疼痛的数月,而非改变最终结局。值得注意的是,物理治疗组在过程中寻求的额外治疗也更少 [1]。鉴于此,合理的方案是负荷管理和渐进性肌腱训练,并接受以月为单位的时间线。

手术仅保留给极少数在真正且长期尝试非手术治疗后仍存在功能障碍的患者。设定这一高门槛的原因正是上述自然病程:若过早手术,您将与一种在十例中有九例本会自行缓解的疾病相竞争。

培养肌腱细胞注射

您可能被提供,或可能阅读到,自体肌腱细胞植入术(ATI,在澳大利亚以 OrthoATI 的名称销售),即注射您自身在实验室中培养的肌腱细胞。它是安全的,在生物学上是合理的,且在顽固性网球肘中报告的疗效持续了四年多。此外,在全球文献中,它仅由五项研究支持,这五项研究共包含 50 名患者,其中没有一项设有对照组。将其与上述自然病程相对照,谨慎对待的原因便显而易见。关于已知与未知内容的完整说明(含参考文献),请参见 自体肌腱细胞植入术 页面。

参考文献

[1] Bisset L, Beller E, Jull G, Brooks P, Darnell R, Vicenzino B. 网球肘的运动中松动术与锻炼、皮质类固醇注射或观察等待:随机对照试验。BMJ. 2006;333(7575):939. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.38961.584653.ae


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

  • The term 'Tennis Elbow' is considered inaccurate by some authors [1].
  • The diagnosis of tennis elbow is often made too quickly [1].
  • Rapid diagnosis may contribute to high rates of recalcitrant complaints due to insufficient consideration of differential diagnoses [1].
  • 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 [3].
  • 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 [4].
  • No single universally accepted protocol has emerged for the treatment of epicondylitis despite numerous available options [7].
  • Most patients with lateral epicondylitis resolve spontaneously or with standard conservative management [12].
  • Refractory cases of lateral epicondylitis may benefit from interventional therapies or surgical approaches [12].
  • Current research evidence suggests that surgery for tennis elbow is no more effective than nonsurgical treatment, based on evidence with significant methodological limitations [31].
  • There was 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 [11].
  • Denervation of the elbow for management of tennis elbow is a simple safe procedure [16].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

Anatomy

  • The pathology of lateral epicondylitis is primarily localized to the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) [51].
  • The ECRB and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) have tendinous origins and lie deep to the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL), which has a muscular origin [51].
  • The common extensors lie superficial to the lateral collateral ligament complex proximally and to the supinator distally [51].
  • The ECRB tendon lies superficial to the joint capsule, making it accessible arthroscopically [51].
  • The posterior interosseous nerve enters the supinator distal to the radial head [51].
  • Compression of the posterior interosseous nerve at the radial tunnel can coexist with lateral epicondylitis [51].
  • The pathologic process mainly involves the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis but can involve the tendons of the extensor carpi radialis longus and the extensor digitorum communis [52].
  • The anatomic basis of the injury to the extensor carpi radialis brevis origin involves hypovascular zones, eccentric tendon stresses, and a microscopic degenerative response [25].

Pathophysiology

  • Lateral epicondylitis is initiated as a microtear, most often within the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis [52].
  • The current consensus is that lateral epicondylitis is a degenerative process rather than an inflammatory one [25].
  • Histologic studies of lateral epicondylitis show angiofibroblastic hyperplasia [51, 52].
  • Histologic findings include neovascularization, infiltration by mucopolysaccharide, a disordered collagen scaffold, bone formation, and angiofibroblastic proliferation [51].
  • Inflammation is not usually seen in lateral epicondylitis but is likely present in the early stages [51].
  • The lesion occurs in a vascular watershed area that is relatively avascular, limiting healing potential [51].
  • Eccentric contractions of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle during backhand tennis swings are the likely cause of repetitive microtrauma that causes tears in the tendon and lateral epicondylitis [35].
  • The presence of hypoechogenicity and bone changes on ultrasound indicates the presence of a stressed common extensor origin-lateral epicondyle complex in elbows with lateral epicondylalgia [5].
  • Repetitive exposure to bending and straightening the elbow is a significant risk factor for lateral epicondylitis [84].
  • There is a strong association between combined physical exertion and elbow movements and lateral epicondylitis [8].
  • Biomechanical exposure involving the wrist and/or elbow at work is associated with the incidence of lateral epicondylitis [57].

Classification

  • The term "Tennis Elbow" is considered inaccurate, and the diagnosis is often made too quickly, which may explain high rates of recalcitrant complaints due to insufficient consideration of differential diagnoses [1].
  • A considerable terminological heterogeneity exists in the description of lateral elbow pain, associated with a lack of clear and recognized diagnostic criteria [30].
  • Approximately 46.5% of patients presenting with lateral-sided elbow pain are diagnosed with a condition other than lateral epicondylitis [14].
  • The findings of an epidemiologic study 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 [13].
  • Pathologic tissue studies have noted a failed reparative process rather than active inflammation in lateral epicondylitis [25].
  • The presence of hypoechogenicity and bone changes on musculoskeletal ultrasound indicates the presence of a stressed common extensor origin-lateral epicondyle complex in elbows with lateral epicondylalgia [5].
  • Accurate diagnosis of medial epicondylitis requires distinguishing it from other elbow conditions, and treatment is guided by the specific pathologic stage of the tendon [10].
  • The arthroscopic identification of three types of Baker lesions helps the surgeon confirm the presence of pathology commonly seen intra-articularly in patients with lateral epicondylitis [68].
  • Failed surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis is multifactorial, and distinguishing the cause is critical for appropriate management [15].

Clinical Presentation

  • The term 'Tennis Elbow' is considered inaccurate, and the diagnosis is often made too quickly, potentially explaining high rates of recalcitrant complaints due to insufficient consideration of differential diagnoses [1].
  • Lateral epicondylitis is a common, generally self-limiting tendinosis affecting patients aged 35 to 55 years [26].
  • 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 [13].
  • Almost half of the patients (46.5%) presenting with lateral sided elbow pain were diagnosed with a condition other than lateral epicondylitis [14].
  • A considerable terminological heterogeneity exists in the description of lateral elbow pain, associated with the lack of clear and recognised diagnostic criteria [30].
  • The diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis based on Japanese Orthopaedic Association guidelines requires pain in the elbow joint within 2 weeks, pain in the lateral epicondyle region on resisted extension of the wrist with the elbow extended, and tenderness in the lateral epicondyle [46].
  • Tenderness for the diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis is considered positive if observed in the lateral epicondyle or adjacent tissue up to 4 cm distal to the epicondyle and elicited by any degree of palpation [46].
  • Physical examination of the elbow should focus on functional anatomy and includes inspection, palpation, range of motion, strength, stability, and special tests [54].
  • The history is the most valuable tool to guide the clinical examination, with location, quality, context, duration, and severity of elbow pain being important for understanding pathology [54].
  • Determining the symptom trajectory (whether pain is getting better, worse, or remaining constant) is helpful when considering intervention [54].
  • Characteristic elements of the history for lateral elbow tendinopathy include pain lifting things from a bag with a pronated hand, turning doorknobs, taking milk from the fridge, shaking hands, taking a laptop out of a bag, and bumping the lateral elbow [54].
  • Physical examination maneuvers to elicit lateral elbow tendinopathy include direct palpation of the ECRB origin, the tennis elbow shear test, pain with resisted wrist or long finger extension, and the laptop test [54].
  • Imaging studies to evaluate lateral elbow tendinopathy include MRI if the lateral ulnar collateral ligament is suspected as part of the pathology and ultrasonography [54].

Investigations

Clinical Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis

  • The physical exam is directed by history and the location of the patient's pain in the anterior, posterior, medial, or lateral aspect of the elbow [49].

Imaging: Ultrasound

  • Ultrasonographic imaging of the elbow includes imaging techniques and the normal appearance of anatomic structures [44].

Imaging: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

  • The routine use of MRI for the diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis is low, although its use is associated with downstream effects [69].
  • Increased MRI signal in the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) origin is common in both symptomatic and asymptomatic elbows [70].
  • MRI can be used to evaluate ligaments and tendons of the elbow, but it is rarely indicated [45].
  • The reliability and validity of magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of chronic lateral epicondylitis has been evaluated [47].
  • Magnetic resonance evaluation of the elbow includes the review of ligament complexes [44].
  • A review of the MR appearance of osseous and soft-tissue anatomy of the elbow, as well as commonly encountered pathology including overuse injury, has been performed [44].

Imaging: Radiographs and CT

  • Plain radiographs remain the hallmark and the best screening test for the evaluation of the elbow [49].
  • Standard AP, lateral, and oblique radiographs are obtained for elbow evaluation, with serial radiography used as follow-up when heterotopic ossification is present [45].
  • CT is helpful when assessing for malunion architecture and the location and pattern of osteophytes and/or loose bodies [45].
  • Three-dimensional CT is used to check for heterotopic ossification [45].
  • CT is not necessary when elbow stiffness is entirely soft-tissue related [45].

Neurological Assessment

  • Electromyography/nerve conduction velocity studies should be performed if any question about neurologic dysfunction exists [45].
  • An assessment for ulnar nerve subluxation should be performed, as subluxation of the nerve is a relative contraindication for an arthroscopic procedure secondary to possible iatrogenic nerve injury [45].

Treatment

Non-Operative Management

  • Approximately 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieve symptom resolution at 1 year [3].
  • Lateral epicondylitis is usually self-limited, resolving over a 12- to 18-month period without treatment [33].
  • The probable best recommendation for treatment is oral analgesics for symptom relief, activity modification, and a plan of “waiting things out” for up to 18 months [42].
  • Corticosteroid injection has little, if any, benefit over placebo and usually does not change the natural history of the disease [42].
  • Recent data suggest that poorer results are seen in the intermediate and long term following corticosteroid injections relative to placebo [42].
  • Patients who undergo corticosteroid injection may actually be worse at the end of a year [42].
  • The significant short-term benefits of corticosteroid injection are paradoxically reversed after six weeks, with high recurrence rates [22].
  • Peri-articular hyaluronic acid treatment for tennis elbow was significantly better than control in improving pain at rest and after maximal grip testing [61].
  • Nonsurgical treatment is the mainstay of management for lateral epicondylitis, involving options such as rest, physical therapy, and injections [62].
  • Nonoperative treatment for epicondylitis has a success rate of up to 90% [66].
  • A high-repetition, low-resistance home exercise program may be useful for lateral epicondylitis [42].
  • There is wide variability of treatments offered when physiotherapy fails patients with tennis elbow [28].
  • Further investigations are needed on tendinopathies in other areas of the upper limb, including epicondylar tendinopathy [18].

Operative Management

  • There was insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of surgery for lateral elbow pain due to small number of studies, heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and poor reporting [11].
  • Greater than 90% of people with lateral epicondylitis are successfully treated nonoperatively [21].
  • Most surgical patients for lateral epicondylitis are in their fifth decade of life, have had symptoms for an average of 19 months, and have had failure of nonoperative treatment including an average of 3.1 corticosteroid injections [21].
  • The majority of patients undergoing surgery for lateral epicondylitis have surgery on their dominant elbow, with an average incidence of dominant arm involvement of 74% [21].
  • Outcomes between open and arthroscopic surgical procedures for lateral epicondylitis are comparable [42].
  • Arthroscopic treatment of lateral epicondylitis is accompanied by an increased risk of neurovascular injury and instability compared with open release of the elbow [42].
  • Good to excellent results have been achieved in 83% to 96% of patients using variations in technique for medial epicondylitis [42].
  • Poorer outcomes are reported in patients with ulnar nerve symptoms undergoing medial epicondylitis surgery [42].
  • 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 [17].
  • The median time of minimum conservative management before surgery for lateral epicondylitis was six months [64].
  • Surgical intervention is reserved for patients with continued symptoms after 6 months or more of treatment [43].
  • There is no good algorithm for the type of surgical treatment that is most effective for lateral epicondylitis [21].
  • No single universally accepted protocol has emerged for the treatment of epicondylitis [7].

Complications

  • Corticosteroid injections have a short-term beneficial effect on lateral epicondylitis, but a negative effect in the intermediate term [32].
  • The significant short-term benefits of corticosteroid injection are reversed after six weeks, with high recurrence rates [22].
  • Heterotopic ossification has been reported as a complication following elbow arthroscopy for lateral epicondylitis [39].
  • Three or more preoperative injections is the most significant risk factor for revision surgery after operative treatment of lateral epicondylitis [71].
  • Short-term complication rates appear comparable between open and arthroscopic treatment of lateral epicondylitis [73].

Recovery

  • Lateral epicondylitis often resolves spontaneously, warranting considerable circumspection before embarking on treatment [19].
  • The prognosis for medial epicondylitis in occupational settings was good with a 3-year recovery rate at 81% [20].
  • Poor prognosis at 1 year of follow-up for lateral epicondylitis was related to manual work and high baseline pain [77].
  • No relation was found between the type of medical treatment given or chosen and prognosis for lateral epicondylitis at 1 year [77].
  • The annual incidence of lateral epicondylitis per 10,000 patients and the proportion of cases treated surgically remained constant from 2007 to 2014 [38].

Key Evidence

  • [Letter] The authors agree that the term 'Tennis Elbow' is inaccurate and that the diagnosis is often made too quickly, potentially explaining high rates of recalcitrant complaints due to insufficient consideration of differential diagnoses. [1] (10.1177/1758573218816086)
  • [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. [3] (10.1097/corr.0000000000002058)
  • [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. [4] (10.1007/s11999-014-4022-y)
  • [L4] The presence of hypoechogenicity and bone changes indicates presence of a stressed common extensor origin-lateral epicondyle complex in elbows with lateral epicondylalgia. [5] (10.1186/1471-2342-14-10)
  • [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. [7] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.01.022)
  • [L4] This study emphasizes the strength of the associations between combined physical exertion and elbow movements and lateral epicondylitis. [8] (10.1002/ajim.22140)
  • [L5] Accurate diagnosis requires distinguishing it from other elbow conditions, and treatment is guided by the specific pathologic stage of the tendon. [10] (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. [11] (10.1002/14651858.cd003525.pub2)
  • [L4] Most patients with lateral epicondylitis resolve spontaneously or with standard conservative management, but refractory cases may benefit from interventional therapies or surgical approaches. [12] (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. [13] (10.1177/036354657900700405)
  • [L3] Almost half of the patients (46.5%) were diagnosed with a diagnosis other than lateral epicondylitis. [14] (10.1016/j.jseint.2024.08.047)
  • [L5] Failed surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis is multifactorial, and distinguishing the cause is critical for appropriate management. [15] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2023.07.006)
  • [L2] Denervation of the elbow for management of tennis elbow is a simple safe procedure. [16] (10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-24-00352)
  • [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. [17] (10.1177/03635465221095565)
  • [L2] Further investigations are needed, not only focused on shoulder impingement or epicondylar tendinopathy, but on tendinopathies in other areas of the upper limb. [18] (10.1016/j.jsams.2015.06.007)
  • [L4] Overall, the available data suggest that lateral epicondylitis often resolves spontaneously, warranting considerable circumspection before embarking on treatment. [19] (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%. [20] (10.1097/01.jom.0000085888.37273.d9)
  • [L4] [21] (10.1097/blo.0b013e3181483dc4)
  • [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. [22] (10.1136/bmj.38961.584653.ae)
  • [L4] [25] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.07.019)
  • [L5] Lateral epicondylitis is a common, generally self-limiting tendinosis affecting patients aged 35 to 55 years. [26] (10.1302/0301-620x.95b9.29285)
  • [L4] There is wide variability of treatments offered when physiotherapy fails patients with tennis elbow. [28] (10.1177/1758573217738199)
  • [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. [30] (10.3390/healthcare10061095)
  • [L1] Current research evidence suggests that surgery for tennis elbow is no more effective than nonsurgical treatment based on evidence with significant methodological limitations. [31] (10.1177/1758573217745041)
  • [L1] Corticosteroid injections have a shortterm beneficial effect on lateral epicondylitis, but a negative effect in the intermediate term. [32] (10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003564)
  • [L2] Lateral epicondylitis is a condition that is usually self-limited, resolving over a 12- to 18-month period without treatment. [33] (10.1007/s11552-014-9642-x)
  • [L5] [35] (10.1016/j.csm.2004.06.004)
  • [L4] The annual incidence of lateral epicondylitis per 10,000 patients and the proportion of cases treated surgically remained constant from 2007 to 2014. [38] (10.1007/s11420-017-9559-3)
  • [L4] To our knowledge, we present the first case of HO development after elbow arthroscopy for lateral epicondylitis. [39] (10.1177/1558944716668844)
  • [L3] [46] (10.1016/j.jseint.2024.01.008)
  • [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. [57] (10.1002/acr.22874)
  • [L1] Peri-articular HA treatment for tennis elbow was significantly better than control in improving pain at rest and after maximal grip testing. [61] (10.1186/1758-2555-2-4)
  • [L5] Nonsurgical treatment is the mainstay of management for lateral epicondylitis, involving options such as rest, physical therapy, and injections. [62] (10.5435/00124635-200801000-00004)
  • [L4] [64] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2024.08.008)
  • [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. [66] (10.1016/j.csm.2010.06.009)
  • [L4] The arthroscopic identification of the 3 types of Baker lesions helps the surgeon to confirm the presence of pathology commonly seen intra-articularly in patients with lateral epicondylitis. [68] (10.1016/j.eats.2024.103142)
  • [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. [69] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.03.025)
  • [L4] Increased MRI signal in the ECRB origin is common in symptomatic and in asymptomatic elbows. [70] (10.1016/j.jse.2016.01.033)
  • [L4] [71] (10.1016/j.jse.2016.10.022)
  • [L3] Surgical management of lateral epicondylitis varies depending on surgeons' fellowship training, and short-term complication rates appear comparable between open and arthroscopic treatment. [73] (10.1016/j.arthro.2017.04.078)
  • [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. [77] (10.1093/rheumatology/keg360)
  • [L4] Repetitive exposure to bending/straightening the elbow was a significant risk factor for medial and lateral epicondylitis. [84] (10.1093/rheumatology/ker228)

References

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[4] Does Nonsurgical Treatment Improve Longitudinal Outcomes of Lateral Epicondylitis Over No Treatment? A Meta-analysis. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2015. DOI: 10.1007/s11999-014-4022-y

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[10] Diagnosis and treatment of medial epicondylitis of the elbow. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2004. DOI: 10.1016/j.csm.2004.04.011

[11] Surgery for lateral elbow pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2011. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003525.pub2

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