Lateral Epicondylitis of the Elbow in an Airline Pilot Regarding Throttle Lever Operation.

Lateral epicondylitis is a degenerative condition affecting the origin of the extensor tendon in the forearm. It is the primary etiology of elbow pain in adults and is also a frequently reported ailment in various occupational sectors. Herein, we present a case of lateral epicondylitis in an airline pilot. The etiology was supposed to be the frequent and prolonged use of throttle levers in the at-risk limb position, i.e., forearm pronation and wrist dorsiflexion. Despite limited treatment options due to aeromedical standards, the patient recovered after approximately one month, primarily by means of physical therapy and improving the working posture. In general, pilots are subject to strict medical standards and may not receive standard treatments. There are also reports of treatment withdrawal and concealment of disease due to fear of losing their license. The treatment of pilots requires special consideration based on doctor-patient trust and occasionally collaboration with experts in aviation medicine, such as aeromedical examiners.