Medium-Term Results After Treatment of Recalcitrant Lateral Epicondylitis: A Prospective, Randomized Study Comparing Open Release and Radiofrequency Microtenotomy

Overview

Journal Orthop J Sports Med

Specialty Orthopedics

Date 2015 Nov 5

PMID 26535247

Citations 8

Authors

Khaled Meknas

Thabit N Al Hassoni

Ashild Odden-Miland

Miguel Castillejo

Juri Kartus

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis (elbow extensor-origin tendinosis) is a common cause of elbow pain with many treatment options. In the present study, the medium-term results after open release and radiofrequency microtenotomy are reported.

Hypothesis: Microtenotomy would provide long-term pain relief that was as good as the open release method.

Study Design: Prospective, randomized trial.

Methods: Twenty-four patients randomized to either open release or microtenotomy were assessed after 5 to 7 years. Clinical examination and dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) of both elbows were performed preoperatively and at the medium-term follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of both elbows was performed at the medium-term follow-up.

Results: Significant pain reduction was found using a visual analog scale (VAS) at the medium-term follow-up in both groups compared with the preoperative assessment (P < .005). The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) increased significantly in both groups (P < .01). The improvement in grip strength was not significant in either group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of VAS, strength, and the MEPS. On the DIRT examinations, there were significantly fewer hot spots at the medium-term follow-up than preoperatively (P = .0067, both study groups together). The MRI examinations revealed grade II changes in the operated elbow in 1 patient in each group at the medium-term follow-up, while all the other MRI examinations revealed a normal tendon.

Conclusion: In this prospective, randomized trial with a medium-term follow-up, the results were similar after surgical release and microtenotomy in patients with recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis. The hypothesis was thus verified.

Citing Articles

The Efficacy of Different Tenotomies in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review.

Ansari A, Shoaib D, Tanbour Y, Marchese C, Pautler B, Baghdadi A J Clin Med. 2024; 13(22).

PMID: 39597908 PMC: 11594525. DOI: 10.3390/jcm13226764.

A comparative meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of arthroscopic versus open surgery in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Ghandour M, Al Salloum D, Jaber M, Abou Orm G, Ghosn A, Jaber S J Orthop. 2024; 59:41-50.

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Is There any Difference in Clinical Outcome between Open and Arthroscopic Treatment for Tennis Elbow? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Li Y, Guo S, Li S, Yang G, Lu Y Orthop Surg. 2022; 15(8):1931-1943.

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Radiofrequency Microdebridement as an Adjunct to Arthroscopic Surgical Treatment for Recalcitrant Gluteal Tendinopathy: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Blakey C, ODonnell J, Klaber I, Singh P, Arora M, Takla A Orthop J Sports Med. 2020; 8(1):2325967119895602.

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Surgery for tennis elbow: a systematic review.

Bateman M, Littlewood C, Rawson B, Tambe A Shoulder Elbow. 2019; 11(1):35-44.

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