Lateral Epicondylitis Surgery Treatment & Management

Nonsurgical treatment is the mainstay of care for patients with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). The goal of initial treatment is cessation of the offending activity. Rest, use of a counterforce brace, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often provide relief of symptoms. Often, wrist splinting is necessary.^{[11, 12, 13, 14]}

Jafarian et al compared 3 common types of orthoses for their effect on grip strength in patients with lateral epicondylosis. In a randomized, controlled study of 52 patients, maximum and pain-free grip strength were assessed with the patient wearing an elbow strap orthosis, an elbow sleeve orthosis, a wrist splint, or a placebo orthosis. Use of the elbow strap and sleeve orthoses resulted in an immediate and equivalent increase in pain-free grip strength; consequently, the researchers suggest that either of these types of orthosis may be used. The wrist splint provided no immediate improvement in either pain-free or maximum grip strength.^[15]

Both corticosteroid and autologous blood injections have been shown to be effective. Corticosteroid injections at the lateral epicondyle have been shown to significantly decrease pain scores in the early post-injection period. Autologous blood injections for lateral epicondylitis were described in 2003 and showed encouraging pain relief in two thirds of patients treated.^[16]

Low-level laser therapy appears to provide short-term pain relief and improvement in disability, even in cases resistant to other nonsurgical therapy. A systematic review noted, however, that success with laser therapy has been limited to studies that used direct irradiation of the tendon insertion and wavelengths of 904 nm (and possibly 632 nm), for a total dose of 0.5 to 7.2 joules.^[17]

When the patient is free of pain through a full range of motion, begin strengthening therapy in a very slow and progressive way. When the patient regains strength and nears resumption of activity, place the emphasis on preventing future irritation (eg, correct technique or address equipment concerns in athletes who participate in racquet sports, modify jobs or activities in patients who are not athletes).

The use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy raised initial excitement. However, 2 prospective, randomized, blinded trials showed no benefit of this intervention over placebo.^{[18, 19]}

Another proposed modality is injection of botulinum toxin at the extensor origin. A large multicenter, randomized, controlled trial in Germany showed a significant decrease in pain scores in patients with lateral epicondylitis treated with botulinum toxin when compared to control patients treated with saline.^[20] Most patients experienced finger extension weakness, which resolved within 4 months.

A myriad of surgical procedures has been described for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). However, most surgical procedures involve debridement of the diseased tissue of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle with decortication of the lateral epicondyle. This procedure has been performed through open, percutaneous, and arthroscopic approaches. While the classic open approach provides excellent reproducible results, the mentioned minimally invasive approaches are reported to allow earlier rehabilitation and resumption of activities.^{[21, 22]}

Note the length of time of the patient's symptoms. Also note the conservative therapeutic course that has been implemented, including any corticosteroid injections. Consider the patient's workers' compensation status, as patients with workers' compensation claims may not respond as well to intervention.^[23]

A full evaluation should be performed on patients with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) so that any other associated conditions can be detected. Some authors have noted a relatively high incidence of concomitant intra-articular pathology. For example, one study of 117 consecutive elbow arthroscopies in patients with lateral elbow pain resistant to conservative treatment found established degenerative changes involving articular cartilage, principally of the lateral compartment, in a substantial percentage of these patients.^[24]

In the classic open-release procedure for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) as described by Nirschl, the patient is positioned supine.^[6] A 3-cm longitudinal incision is made over the lateral epicondyle. An incision is made through the extensor aponeurosis. The extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRL) muscle is retracted medially, revealing the degenerative origin of the ECRB. All pathologic tissue is excised. The lateral epicondyle is decorticated with an osteotome or by drill holes. The ECRL is sewn to the extensor aponeurosis in an attempt to repair the defect. See the images below.

With elbow arthroscopy, the lateral capsule and undersurface of the ECRB tendon are easily visualized and evaluated through the proximal medial portal. Advancing the 30° arthroscope past the radial head brings the camera directly in front of the ECRB tendon, which can then be followed to its origin on the lateral epicondyle. Associated synovitis may be noted at this location. The capsule is adherent to the undersurface of the ECRB tendon. Often, the capsule is torn with the ECRB tendon or is thin and translucent. A 4.5-mm synovial resector then is introduced through the proximal lateral portal. If the capsule is present, it is debrided to reveal the undersurface of the ECRB muscle.

The release of the ECRB tendon is begun at the site of pathology and is continued back to its origin on the lateral epicondyle. After release of the visible ECRB origin, a 4.5-mm round burr is used to decorticate the lateral epicondyle and distal portion of the lateral condylar ridge in the area of the ECRB muscle origin. A cadaveric study showed that this release removed an average of 23 mm of ECRB tendon and 22 mm of lateral epicondyle.^[25] While more aggressive resection may be possible with the 70° arthroscope, this potentially can injure the lateral collateral ligament complex. Resection to the limit of the visualization provided by the 30° arthroscope produces adequate release while protecting the lateral collateral ligaments. (See Images 1-4.)

Surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is an outpatient surgical procedure. If the open approach is used, the elbow is usually protected initially with a splint or brace at 90°.

Early motion in a brace may be initiated at 3-5 days after surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), with strengthening exercises usually started by 3 weeks, depending on the patient's symptoms. Return to racquet sports can be expected by 4-6 months. Depending on the specific job requirements, patients can return to work in 6-12 weeks, although job modification or persistent use of a counterforce brace during work activities may be necessary.^{[26, 27, 28]}

Patient Education:  For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Hand, Wrist, Elbow, and Shoulder Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education article Tennis Elbow.

One of the most concerning complications of aggressive surgical debridement for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is lateral elbow instability. The proximity of the lateral collateral ligaments and the annular ligament makes them susceptible to injury. In addition, when the arthroscopic technique is used, the radial nerve is at risk.

Other complications include recurrence or incomplete relief of pain.

Surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) has yielded predictably favorable results, with approximately 85% of patients reporting complete pain relief. Some patients may have persistent symptoms despite surgical treatment, and these patients may benefit from a more aggressive debridement.

While much of the controversy regarding the pathology of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) has been discussed, the surgical treatment options described have all yielded excellent results. While some less invasive approaches have been proposed and have shown excellent results,^[29] large prospective studies have not been performed to provide conclusive evidence of significant benefit of a particular procedure over another.