Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) Questions & Answers

Updated: Mar 08, 2021
  • Author: Bryant James Walrod, MD; Chief Editor: Craig C Young, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the physiology of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the area of maximal tenderness associated with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the functional anatomy of the nerves in lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What are sport-specific biomechanics causing lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

How does one-handed versus two-handed backhand stroke compare in lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What are other causes of extensor tendinopathy in patients with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What occupational and leisure activities lead to lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the prevalence of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) in the US?

What are the recent trends in lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) incidence?

What is the global incidence of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

Presentation

Which physical findings are characteristic of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What are the causes of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

Which history is characteristic of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)?

Workup

What is the role of lab studies in the workup of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the role of an anesthetic block in the evaluation of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

Treatment

What is the role of betamethasone injections in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

How many treatment options are available for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the role of watchful waiting in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the efficacy of physiotherapy, corticosteroid injection, and watchful waiting in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the role of NSAIDs in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the efficacy of NSAIDs in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the efficacy of corticosteroid injections in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What are the benefits of physical therapy in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What are the benefits of corticosteroid injection in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the role of corticosteroid injections in the long-term treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the role of counterforce braces in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

Which types of orthoses are used to treat lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the efficacy of counterforce bracing in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

How do orthoses affect grip strength in patients with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the efficacy of wrist extension splint for the treatment lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the role of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ECSWT) in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the role of ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermal lesioning in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the role of laser therapy in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the role of acupuncture in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the role of autologous blood injections in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the efficacy of ultrasound-guided autologous blood injections in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

How do the outcomes of autologous blood, corticosteroid, and saline injection for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) compare?

What is the efficacy of autologous blood injections compared to corticosteroid for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the long-term efficacy of corticosteroid injection compared to autologous blood injection, or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

How is grip strength affected by corticosteroid injections, analogous blood injections and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ECSWT) for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the efficacy of autologous blood injections for the treatment of chronic lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the efficacy of platelet rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the efficacy of platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections compared to autologous blood injections for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the efficacy of glucocorticoid injection in reducing pain in lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for treatment of chronic lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the role of hyaluronate (HA) injections in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the role of polidocanol in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the role of botulinum toxin (BTX) in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the role of topical nitrates in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is included in the acute phase of physical therapy for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the role of ultrasound (US) therapy in the acute phase of treatment for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

When should surgery be considered for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

Medications

What is the goal of medication in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

Which medications in the drug class Neuromuscular Blocker Agent, Toxin are used in the treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)?

Which medications in the drug class Vasodilators are used in the treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)?

Which medications in the drug class Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)?

Which medications in the drug class Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors are used in the treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)?

Which medications in the drug class Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in the treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)?

Follow-up

What are the return to play recommendations following treatment for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What is the most serious complication of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

How is lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) prevented?

What is the prognosis of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?

What should be included in patient education about lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)?