Four surgical tips in the treatment of epicondylitis

Abstract

Introduction and objectivesLateral epicondylitis is a common injury in the population. Most patients improve with conservative treatment, but in a small percentage surgery is necessary. The aim of this study is to analyse the clinical results obtained by a “4 surgical tips” technique. Materials and methodThis is a retrospective study of 35 operated elbows, with a mean follow-up of 5.3 years. In all cases epicondylar denervation, removal of the angiofibroblastic degeneration core, epicondylectomy, and release of posterior interosseous nerve, was performed. Each patient was evaluated using the Broberg and Morrey Rating System (BMRS), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), DASH questionnaire, and a survey of subjective assessment. ResultsBMRS mean score was 97.2 points, with 95.71 points with the MEPS. The mean decrease in VAS was 8.12 points, and the mean score on the DASH was 1.68 points. The results were rated as excellent or very good by 94.3% of patients. There was one recurrence, which resolved with further surgery. Two neuropraxia of the posterior interosseous nerve occurred, which completely recovered in 10 weeks. ConclusionsUsing the “4 surgical tips” technique, clinical resolution of symptoms in 97.1% was achieved at the first operation. Therefore, it appears to be an effective, reproducible technique with few complications, in the surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis resistant to conservative treatment.