Functional Outcome of Arthroscopic Release of Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis Muscle in Treatment of Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate results of the release of extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) in tennis elbow patients. A prospective study including twenty patients with resistant chronic lateral epicondylitis was carried out in the period between June 2018 and June 2019 at Sohag University Hospital. These 20 patients underwent arthroscopic ECRB release. Evaluation of the pain and function included visual analog scale (VAS), Quickdash score, and Nirschl staging score preoperatively, postoperatively, two weeks, four weeks, ten weeks, and six months postoperatively. The patients showed highly statistically and clinically significant differences in the form of clinical improvement indicated by the level of Quickdash, VAS, and Nirschl staging scores at each time interval of the patients follow up. There was minimal postoperative pain, early rehabilitation, and early return to activity could be achieved. Arthroscopic release of the ECRB is an effective method of treatment in patients with resistant tennis elbow.