Extra-articular arthroscopic release of lateral epicondylitis: a prospective study.

Abstract

Background:

Operative management of lateral epicondylitis can be managed with percutaneous, arthroscopic, or open surgical release. Extraarticular arthroscopic release is a new technique, and no study has compared its outcomes and risk profile.

Methods:

A 26-patient cohort was reviewed before and after extraarticular arthroscopic release, which was performed by the senior author. The Mayo Elbow Performance Scores were used as a functional outcome score and obtained via a phone interview. Results were analyzed using a paired t-test with a statistical significance set at P < .05.

Results:

Of the 26 patients, 10 were being treated under workers compensation. Preoperative Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 47.5, and the postoperative score was 90.2 with a significant difference of 42.7 (P value = .05). The workers compensation group scored 13.3 points lower postoperatively than the remainder of patients, which was shown to also be significant with a P value of .002.

Discussion and Conclusion:

The advantage of extraarticular arthroscopic release was better visualization of affected structures, which improved accuracy of debridement, and a small capsulotomy, which decreased the risk of a transient radial nerve palsy. Overall, extraarticular arthroscopic results were found to be good and comparable to the results of other operative techniques with the added advantage of a lower risk profile.

• Authors: Njalalle Baraza, Mark P Robinson, Nanda Kumar Sakaleshpura Chandrashekar, Jessica A Perry, William D Regan
• Journal: JSES reviews, reports, and techniques (JSES Rev Rep Tech) Vol. 1 Issue 4 Pg. 398-401 (Nov 2021) ISSN: 2666-6391 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 37588709 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2021 The Authors.