Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for Epicondylitis
- Author: Sharon J Gibbs, MD; Chief Editor: Rene Cailliet, MD more...
Background
Medial epicondylitis (ME) is an overuse injury affecting the flexor-pronator muscle origin at the anterior medial epicondyle of the humerus. ME is often discussed in conjunction with lateral epicondylitis (LE), which occurs much more frequently. ME is the most common cause of medial elbow pain, although the clinician is likely to see at least 5 cases of LE for every case of ME. Patients who develop medial elbow pain appreciate their physician's knowledge of the subtle differences in the diagnosis and treatment of the 2 disorders. (See images below.)
Medial epicondyle. 
Strengthening exercises are performed once pain has subsided with active range of motion. The starting position (slight pronation) of an eccentric exercise for medial epicondylitis is shown. In order to prevent further injury, a trained therapist should instruct patients in exercises to confirm proper weight and technique. (The X indicates the medial epicondyle). 
The eccentric exercise proceeds until full supination has been reached. Pathophysiology
ME involves primarily the flexor-pronator muscles (ie, pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus) at their origin on the anterior medial epicondyle. Less often, ME also affects the flexor carpi ulnaris and flexor digitorum superficialis. Repetitive stress at the musculotendinous junction and its origin at the epicondyle leads to tendinitis in its most acute form and to tendinosis in its more chronic form.[1] In addition, an ulnar neuropraxia caused by compression of the ulnar nerve in or around the medial epicondylar groove has been estimated to occur in up to 50% of ME cases.
The tendinosis that occurs is primarily the result of failure of the damaged tendon to heal. Microscopic examination of the involved tissue shows granulation tissue, fibrovascular and fibrocartilaginous tissue, tendon microfragmentation, calcification, and necrosis. Histologically, damage to the involved tendons has been described as angiofibroblastic hyperplasia tendinosis and fibrillary degeneration of collagen.[2] A simple, acute inflammatory reaction is noted to be a much less common finding than are the previously described tendinosis changes.
Epidemiology
Race
No studies indicate a race predilection.
Sex
A male-to-female ratio of 2:1 has been reported.
Age
Peak incidence is in patients aged 20-49 years, but ME is also seen in teens and older adults, especially if they engage in hobbies, jobs, or sports activities that make them prone to overuse injuries.
Rineer CA, Ruch DS. Elbow tendinopathy and tendon ruptures: epicondylitis, biceps and triceps ruptures. J Hand Surg Am. Mar 2009;34(3):566-76. [Medline].
Budoff JE, Hicks JM, Ayala G, et al. The reliability of the "scratch test". J Hand Surg Eur Vol. Apr 2008;33(2):166-9. [Medline].
van Rijn RM, Huisstede BM, Koes BW, et al. Associations between work-related factors and specific disorders at the elbow: a systematic literature review. Rheumatology (Oxford). May 2009;48(5):528-36. [Medline].
Farber AJ, Smith JS, Kvitne RS, et al. Electromyographic analysis of forearm muscles in professional and amateur golfers. Am J Sports Med. Feb 2009;37(2):396-401. [Medline].
Banks KP, Ly JQ, Beall DP, et al. Overuse injuries of the upper extremity in the competitive athlete: magnetic resonance imaging findings associated with repetitive trauma. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol. Jul-Aug 2005;34(4):127-42. [Medline].
Park GY, Lee SM, Lee MY. Diagnostic value of ultrasonography for clinical medial epicondylitis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. Apr 2008;89(4):738-42. [Medline].
Krischek O, Hopf C, Nafe B, et al. Shock-wave therapy for tennis and golfer's elbow--1 year follow-up. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 1999;119(1-2):62-6. [Medline].
Gabel GT, Morrey BF. Operative treatment of medical epicondylitis. Influence of concomitant ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Jul 1995;77(7):1065-9. [Medline].
Stefanou A, Marshall N, Holdan W, Siddiqui A. A randomized study comparing corticosteroid injection to corticosteroid iontophoresis for lateral epicondylitis. J Hand Surg Am. Jan 2012;37(1):104-9. [Medline].
Carson WG. Overuse injuries of the elbow in the throwing athlete. In: Baker CL, ed. The Hughston Clinic Sports Medicine Book. Baltimore, Md: Williams & Wilkins; 1995:324-31.
Ciccotti MG, Ramani MN. Medial epicondylitis. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. Dec 2003;7(4):190-6. [Medline].
Gabel GT, Morrey BF. Medial epicondylitis. In: Morrey BF, ed. The Elbow and Its Disorders. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000:537-42.
Kraushaar BS, Nirschl RP. Tendinosis of the elbow (tennis elbow). Clinical features and findings of histological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopy studies. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Feb 1999;81(2):259-78. [Medline].
Ollivierre CO, Nirschl RP, Pettrone FA. Resection and repair for medial tennis elbow. A prospective analysis. Am J Sports Med. Mar-Apr 1995;23(2):214-21. [Medline].
Stahl S, Kaufman T. The efficacy of an injection of steroids for medial epicondylitis. A prospective study of sixty elbows. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Nov 1997;79(11):1648-52. [Medline].
Stahl S, Kaufman T. Ulnar nerve injury at the elbow after steroid injection for medial epicondylitis. J Hand Surg [Br]. Feb 1997;22(1):69-70. [Medline].
Vangsness CT Jr, Jobe FW. Surgical treatment of medial epicondylitis. Results in 35 elbows. J Bone Joint Surg Br. May 1991;73(3):409-11. [Medline]. [Full Text].
Print
