Abstract
Introduction: Tennis Elbow affects 2% of the general population. 90% respond well to conservative management. Different surgical options are available for the treatment of recalcitrant Tennis Elbow. One of the most simple is percutaneous lateral release.
Methods: Prospective analysis of 31 patients, who failed a trial of conservative treatment, and underwent a lateral release of the common extensor origin under local anaesthetic as a day case. The symptoms had been present for an average of 21 months. Patients were scored for pain, activity and satisfaction.
Results: Pain relief was achieved in 90.3%, patient satisfaction in 90.3% and a return to full activity in 93.5%. The results were good in 28, fair in 2 and poor in 1. Return to work was on average after 4 weeks.
Conclusion: It is a simple, safe and effective procedure. It should be offered at an earlier stage, in those who failed conservative treatment. If all other procedures are equally effective, it is logical to choose the simplest.
Honorary Secretary Mr Bimal Singh. Correspondence should be addressed to BOSA (British Orthopaedic Specialists Association), c/o Royal College of Surgeons, 35 – 43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.
