Functional outcomes of arthroscopic treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional results of arthroscopic lateral epicondylitis (LE) treatment in patients in whom conservative treatment proved insufficient.

METHODS

Between 2011-2014, 29 patients with LE (15 women, 14 men; mean age: 46 years; range: 33-79) who received at least 6 months of conservative treatment methods and did not achieve full recovery and thus underwent arthroscopic surgery were included in this study.

RESULTS

One patient was excluded from the functional assessment. Mean follow-up was 20.5 months (range: 7-42). Mean preoperative and postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores were 81.1±17.5 and 34.7±26.8 (p<0.0001), respectively, and Mayo Elbow Performance Scores (MEPS) were 48.5±11.5 and 101.2±22.9 (p<0.0001), respectively. Twenty-one patients (75%) were satisfied with the functional outcome.

CONCLUSION

As a result, LE treated with the arthroscopic method, with its low complication rate, successful degenerated tendon debridement, and decortication of the lateral epicondyle, is a useful method for intervention in pathologies such as annular plica, loose body, synovial hypertrophy, and radiocapitellar chondropathy.