Laboratory Studies

Laboratory studies generally are not indicated for the diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis.

Imaging Studies

Imaging studies usually are not necessary, but tendinopathies can be visualized with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and with diagnostic ultrasonography.^{[10, 11]}

Other Tests

Electrodiagnostic studies may help to determine whether other causes of lateral elbow pain, such as cervical radiculopathy or posterior interosseous nerve palsy, are present.

Histologic Findings

Findings can include collagen disorientation, collagen disorganization, fiber separation by increased mucinoid substance, an increased prominence of cells and vascular spaces (with or without neovascularization), and focal necrosis or calcification. Superimposed evidence of a tear, including fibroblastic proliferation, hemorrhage, and organizing granulation tissue, may be revealed.

Treatment & Management

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Author

John W Hawkins, DO Fellow in EMG, Interventional Spine, and Sports Medicine, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

John W Hawkins, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association, North American Neuromodulation Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Mathew R Saffarian, DO Assistant/Clinical Faculty, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Mathew R Saffarian, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, American Osteopathic Association, American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, Spine Intervention Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

Patrick M Foye, MD Director of Coccyx Pain Center, Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; Co-Director of Musculoskeletal Fellowship, Co-Director of Back Pain Clinic, University Hospital

Patrick M Foye, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Stephen Kishner, MD, MHA Professor of Clinical Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program Director, Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans

Stephen Kishner, MD, MHA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Consuelo T Lorenzo, MD Medical Director, Senior Products, Central North Region, Humana, Inc

Consuelo T Lorenzo, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Daniel D Scott, MD, MA Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Eastern Colorado Health Care System

Daniel D Scott, MD, MA is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Association of Academic Physiatrists

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.