[Lateral humeral epicondylitis--"tennis elbow". I. Epidemiology, clinical picture and pathophysiology].

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a common overuse syndrome of unknown etiology. Studies imply that it is mostly a degenerative condition implying that the term "epicondylitis" is a misnomer. LE often occurs in middle-aged persons in connection with acute or chronic strain. Symptoms are mostly related to occupational tasks. Other conditions can cause pain in the lateral elbow region, and it is important to know the differential diagnosis in order to start the proper treatment. The diagnosis is mainly based on clinical findings but may be substantiated by other diagnostic techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging. However, the specificity and the sensitivity of these techniques are unclarified.