[Comparison of results of results of medium energy ESWT and Mittelmeier surgical therapy in therapy refractory epicondylitis humeri radialis].

INTRODUCTION

During the last years the extracorporal shock wave therapy has shown its efficiency in the treatment of the conservative non curable epicondylitis humeri radialis. This study evaluates the outcome of the ESWT and the operative treatment.

METHODS

Between 1996 and 1997 60 patients suffering from lateral epicondylitis were analyzed. 30 were treated operative by using the Mittelmeier-procedure (tangential partial bone resection of the epicondylus humeri radialis) and further 30 with extracorporal shock waves. These patients received 2000 impulses of 0.23 mJ/mm2 in two sessions.

RESULTS

Follow-up of the group who underwent the Mittelmeier procedure showed good and excellent results in 73% after one year using the score of Roles and Maudsley (1972). The patients treated by the ESWT showed good and excellent results in 43%.

DISCUSSION: Regarding to the duration of symptoms and large scale of the primary treatment and operative hazards the results are showing the benefit of the medium energetic extracorporal shock wave application in the treatment of patients with no response on regular therapy.