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. 2015 May;43(5):1066-71.
doi: 10.1177/0363546514568087. Epub 2015 Feb 5.

The epidemiology and health care burden of tennis elbow: a population-based study

Thomas L Sanders Jr  1 , Hilal Maradit Kremers  2 , Andrew J Bryan  3 , Jeanine E Ransom  4 , Jay Smith  5 , Bernard F Morrey  3
Affiliations

The epidemiology and health care burden of tennis elbow: a population-based study

Thomas L Sanders Jr et al. Am J Sports Med. 2015 May.

Abstract

Background: Lateral elbow tendinosis (epicondylitis) is a common condition both in primary care and specialty clinics.

Purpose: To evaluate the natural history (ie, incidence, recurrence, and progression to surgery) of lateral elbow tendinosis in a large population.

Study design: Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods: The study population comprised a population-based incidence cohort of patients with new-onset lateral elbow tendinosis between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2012. The medical records of a 10% random sample (n=576) were reviewed to ascertain information on patient and disease characteristics, treatment modalities, recurrence, and progression to surgery. Age- and sex-specific incidence rates were calculated and adjusted to the 2010 US population.

Results: The age- and sex-adjusted annual incidence of lateral elbow tendinosis decreased significantly over time from 4.5 per 1000 people in 2000 to 2.4 per 1000 in 2012 (P<.001). The recurrence rate within 2 years was 8.5% and remained constant over time. The proportion of surgically treated cases within 2 years of diagnosis tripled over time, from 1.1% during the 2000-2002 time period to 3.2% after 2009 (P<.00001). About 1 in 10 patients with persistent symptoms at 6 months required surgery.

Conclusion: The decrease in incidence of lateral elbow tendinosis may represent changes in diagnosis patterns or a true decrease in disease incidence. Natural history data can be used to help guide patients and providers in determining the most appropriate course at a given time in the disease process. The study data suggest that patients without resolution after 6 months of onset may have a prolonged disease course and may need surgical intervention.

Keywords: incidence; lateral elbow tendinosis; lateral epicondylitis; recurrence; tennis elbow.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Trends in incidence of lateral elbow tendinosis (Olmsted County, Minnesota; 2000–2012).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Duration of care for 10% random sample of lateral elbow tendinosis patients (Olmsted County, Minnesota; 2000–2012).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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