[Relationship between occupation and elbow pain, epicondylitis].

Twelve controlled epidemiological studies describing the relationship between epicondylitis and work were found. The studies showed evidence for an association between forceful work and a combination of repetition and forceful work and development of elbow pain, epicondylitis. No controlled studies showing an association between work with visual display units or use of computer mouse and epicondylitis were found. No relationship was found between unaccustomed work and development of epicondylitis. Age and time spent in the employment seem to be disposing factors. Generally the studies did not distinguish between medial and lateral epicondylitis. The studies were characterized by small study populations. Further research including quantitative evaluation of exposure factors and patophysiology is needed.