Tennis Elbow

Description

Professor Adam Watts gives his expert insights whilst discussing common elbow tendinopathies, primarily focusing on lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow. He outlines the incidence of various types of elbow tendinopathy, including medial epicondylitis and distal biceps tendinopathy. Symptoms often include insidious onset of lateral elbow pain, with most patients experiencing spontaneous resolution within three months, though some may have persistent symptoms. Diagnosis is clinical, based on history and physical examination, often featuring tenderness over the lateral epicondyle. Differential diagnosis is crucial, particularly in older patients or adolescents. Diagnostic imaging, while not routinely required, can help exclude other pathologies. The underlying pathology is described as the breakdown of normal tendon homeostasis. Treatment options include conservative measures like rest and physiotherapy, as well as cautious use of injection treatments. Surgery is reserved for cases where conservative management fails to alleviate symptoms, with a high success rate. The choice between surgical techniques may depend on recovery speed and risk of nerve complications.




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DOI: 10.1302/3114-251121

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