Epicondylopathia humeri radialis et ulnaris

Epicondylopathia humeri radialis

BACKGROUND

Lateral epicondylitis is a common orthopaedic condition often massively restricting the quality of life of the affected patients. There are a wide variety of treatment options - with varying levels of evidence.

METHOD

The following statements and recommendations are based on the current German S2k guideline Epicondylopathia radialis humeri (AWMF registry number: 033 - 2019). All major German specialist societies participated in this guideline, which is based on a systematic review of the literature and a structured consensus-building process.

OUTCOMES

Lateral epicondylitis should be diagnosed clinically and can be confirmed by imaging modalities. The Guidelines Commission issues recommendations on clinical and radiological diagnostic workup. The clinical condition results from the accumulated effect of mechanical overload, neurologic irritation and metabolic changes. Differentiating between acute and chronic disorder is helpful. Prognosis of non-surgical regimens is favourable in most cases. Most cases spontaneously resolve within 12 months. In case of unsuccessful attempted non-surgical management for at least six months, surgery may be considered as an alternative, if there is a corresponding structural morphology and clinical manifestation. At present, it is not possible to recommend a specific surgical procedure.

CONCLUSION

This paper provides a summary of the guideline with extracts of the recommendations and statements of its authors regarding the pathogenesis, prevention, diagnostic workup as well as non-surgical and surgical management.

[Lateral epicondylitis: conservative - operative]

BACKGROUND

Lateral epicondylitis is a common disease of the common extensor origin at the lateral humerus. Despite its common self-limitation it can lead to chronic therapy-resistant pain with remarkable functional disability of the affected arm.

OBJECTIVES

Different conservative and operative treatment options of lateral epicondylitis are described and compared regarding benefits and risks. Additionally, recent surgical techniques and their complications are mentioned. Based on the current literature, it is shown which treatment option can be recommended.

METHODS

This review was based on the literature analysis in PubMed regarding "conservative and operative therapy of lateral epicondylitis" as well as the clinical experience of the authors.

RESULTS

Conservative treatment is the primary choice for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis if concomitant pathologies such as instability among others can be excluded. It should include strengthening against resistance with eccentric stretching of the extensor group. In persistent cases, operative treatment is warranted. Resection of the pathologic tissue at the extensor origin with debridement and refixation of the healthy tendinous tissue yields good results.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with lateral epicondylitis can be treated conservatively with success. Radiological evaluation should be performed in therapy-resistant cases. In the case of partial or complete rupture of the extensor origin, operative therapy is indicated.