Arthroscopic Management of Tennis elbow

Abstract

Background: Tennis elbow, also known as "Lateral epicondylitis", is a common disease, affect 1% to 3% of the population between 35 and 50 years old. 1 Purpose: To evaluate the functional outcomes of arthroscopic management of lateral epicondylitis in orthopedic department, Zagazig University Hospitals. Study Design: interventional study. Methods: 20 patients with elbow pain in one side or both sides with persistent disability symptoms at least six months after failed conservative treatment were carried out in the department of orthopedic surgery, Zagazig University Hospitals from November 2017 to December 2018, their age between 25-70 years old,(14)70% males and (6) 30% females, The diagnosis was based on the history, physical examination and magnetic resonance examination, patients were evaluated with VAS and Mayo scores. They were treated with arthroscopic release of ECRB tendon. Results: Patients were reintegrated into their activities at 3 weeks postoperatively. Pain as a sign and capital symptom improved significantly within 10 days of surgery. Mayo score improved postoperatively. The Mean± SD preoperative Mayo score was 60.5±7.23 and raised to 95.25±4.12 postoperative and to 97.5±3.03 after follow up for six months. The Mean± SD preoperative VAS score was8.8±0.76 and raised to 0.85±0.74 and to 0.6±0.5 after follow up for six months. All patients were satisfied because of small wound size with cosmetic suture, rapid return of movement of elbow after operation and rapid improvement of pain level. Conclusion: Arthroscopic management of lateral epicondylitis has low morbidity, which makes it safe, and efficient therapeutic choice when necessary and implemented appropriately in recurrent cases of chronic lateral epicondylitis and good resolution capacity, which enables improvement of pain and function of the elbow. This technique also has good view of the joint space, to diagnose and treat other disorders using a minimally invasive technique.