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Review
. 2022 Apr 18;13(4):354-364.
doi: 10.5312/wjo.v13.i4.354.

Lateral epicondylitis: New trends and challenges in treatment

Vesselin Karabinov  1 , Georgi P Georgiev  2
Affiliations
Review

Lateral epicondylitis: New trends and challenges in treatment

Vesselin Karabinov et al. World J Orthop. .

Abstract

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a chronic aseptic inflammatory condition caused by repetitive microtrauma and excessive overload of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle. This is the most common cause of musculoskeletal pain syndrome in the elbow, inducing significant pain and limitation of the function of the upper limb. It affects approximately 1-3% of the population and is frequently seen in racquet sports and sports associated with functional overload of the elbow, such as tennis, squash, gymnastics, acrobatics, fitness, and weight lifting. Typewriters, artists, musicians, electricians, mechanics, and other professions requiring frequent repetitive movements in the elbow and wrists are also affected. LE is a leading causation for absence from work and lower sport results in athletes. The treatment includes a variety of conservative measures, but if those fail, surgery is indicated. This review summarizes the knowledge about this disease, focusing on risk factors, expected course, prognosis, and conservative and surgical treatment approaches.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Lateral epicondylitis; Review; Tennis elbow; Treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest for this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Scheme presenting the open release of lateral epicondylitis. (1) Skin incision; (2) Extensor carpi radialis longus – extensor digitorum communis interface is identified; (3) Degenerated tissue at extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle is identified and incised; and (4) Osteotome decortication.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Scheme presenting the technique for the surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis. (1) Skin incision; (2) Reflection in the distal direction of the extensor mechanism; (3) Excision of pathologic tissue under the flap of the extensor mechanism; (4) Osteotome decortication; (5) Drilling of two V-shaped tunnels for reattachment of the extensors; (6) Reattachment of the extensor mechanism to the lateral epicondyle; and (7) Restoration of the extensor tendon mechanism.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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