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Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy 7/2011

01-07-2011 | Elbow

Arthroscopic treatment of lateral epicondylitis: comparison of the outcome of ECRB release with and without decortication

Authors: Jeong Woo Kim, Churl Hong Chun, Dae Moo Shim, Tae Kyun Kim, Seok Hyun Kweon, Hong Je Kang, Kyu Hwan Bae

Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy | Issue 7/2011

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the early clinical results of arthroscopic extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) release with and without bone decortication in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Materials and methods

Thirty-eight patients who were surgically treated for lateral epicondylitis between 2004 and 2008 were included in this retrospective review. Among these 38 patients, 19 underwent arthroscopic ECRB release and 19 patients underwent both ECRB release with decortication of the lateral epicondyle. Outcome measures included pain assessment measured by visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively, on postoperative day one, at two and 4 weeks postoperatively, and at the final follow-up visit. Functional evaluation was made with the Mayo Elbow Performance Index and grip strength measurement.

Results

Patients who underwent simple ECRB release had significantly less pain than patients who underwent ECRB release and decortication immediately postoperatively (p < 0.05). This group also showed a lower VAS score on exertion 2 weeks and 4 weeks after simple ECRB release (p < 0.05). The mean time taken to return to work was 24.2 ± 18.3 days in the group that underwent simple ECRB release and 39 ± 22.7 days in the group that underwent ECRB release with decortication (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Arthroscopic release of the ECRB is an effective method of treatment in patients with recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis. Decortication of the lateral epicondyle leads to increased pain postoperatively and did not improve clinical results.

Level of evidence

Nonrandomized clinical trial, Level IV.
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Metadata
Title
Arthroscopic treatment of lateral epicondylitis: comparison of the outcome of ECRB release with and without decortication
Authors
Jeong Woo Kim
Churl Hong Chun
Dae Moo Shim
Tae Kyun Kim
Seok Hyun Kweon
Hong Je Kang
Kyu Hwan Bae
Publication date
01-07-2011
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy / Issue 7/2011
Print ISSN: 0942-2056
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7347
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-011-1507-z

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