Arthroscopic Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis

Abstract

The primary cause of lateral epicondylitis of the elbow is chronic tendinopathy of the extensor carpi radialis brevis origin. Despite advances in the understanding of the pathoanatomy of lateral epicondylitis, a lack of consensus remains regarding the optimal surgical treatment when nonoperative treatment fails. Many different surgical procedures have been described in the literature, including several arthroscopic techniques. In this article, we describe our technique of arthroscopic evaluation, identification, and resection of symptomatic tendinosis tissue of the extensor origin. In our experience, arthroscopic management of patients with recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis can produce clinical improvement with successful long-term outcomes.