This is a retrospective review and analysis of cases of tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis treated from 1996 to 2002. Of 191 patients treated, only 150 were contactable. These were sent self-administered Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaires, which 55% patients returned completed. The rest of the patients were interviewed telephonically. Treated conservatively with avoidance of painful activities,non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injection, bracing, and physiotherapy, 83% of patients responded favourably and did not require surgical treatment. DASH scores ranged from 38 to 105 (mean disability < 12%) and compared favourably with those reported in the literature.

Conservative treatment of lateral epicondylitis is usually successful and minimal residual disability can be anticipated. The few patients who fail to respond to conservative treatment can be salvaged predictably with low residual disability.