The aim of this study was to document the findings and the pathology of tennis elbow during arthroscopy in patients who had failed conservative treatment for lateral elbow pain with a presumptive diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow).

Materials and Methods: We carried out a prospective study of a consecutive series of 397 patients who underwent elbow arthroscopy for lateral elbow pain previously diagnosed as lateral epicondylitis. All the patients had a period of atleast six months of various conservative treatment modalitiesin the nature of NSAIDS, bracing physiotherapy and ultrasound. The arthroscopy procedures were performed by one of two surgeons using identical standard techniques and the findings were carefully documented.

Results: There were 238 men and 159 women in the study group: mean age 51 years (range 21 to 80 years). Synovitis was present in 173(44%), degenerative changes in 232 (58%), common extensor origin inflammation in 173(44%), radial head plica in 121(30%), loose bodies in 85(21%), ostephyte formation in 45(11%) and intra-articular adhesions in 26(6%).

Of the 232 patients who had degenerative changes 186(80%) had articular cartilage changes in the lateral compartment(radial head & capitellum), partial thickness loss in n=94(51%) and full thickness cartilage loss in n=92(49%).

Conclusion: The clinical diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis is applied to patients who have a variety of pathologies involving the tissues of the lateral compartment of the elbow. In addition to inflammation and degenerative tears of common extensor origin other pathologies such as synovitis, radial head plica, loose bodies and degenerative osteoarthritis should be considered.

This diagnosis of tennis elbow is often applied to patients with degenerative changes(osteoarthritis) involving the lateral compartment.

Advanced degenerative changes involving the articular cartilage of the lateral compartment can be present in patients with little or no abnormality visible on x-ray.

We conclude that arthroscopy is a definitive diagnostic tool to evaluate the various pathologies giving rise to lateral elbow pain and also helps in planning and initiating the appropriate treatment plan directed against specific and accurate conditions causing lateral elbow pain(lateral epicondylitis)

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the arthroscopic findings in patients who presented with persistent lateral elbow pain despite conventional conservative measures, with special regard to diagnosis specific results. The controversy regarding the etiopathogenesis, whether intraarticular, extraarticular or both continues to exist.

Method: This is a retrospective review of 280 arthroscopies of elbow in 262 patients over a period of 6 years with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. All of them are therapeutic procedures involving ECRB release, excision of plica, synovectomy or debridement of the joint. The functional outcome was assessed and recorded independently by two experienced upper limb physiotherapists using the Mayo elbow performance score.

Results: Dominant hand was involved in 68% of the cases. The average age was 54 years. Isolated pathology such as common extensor inflammation was identified in 138 (49%), synovial plica in 24 (8%) and degenerative changes confined to lateral compartment with normal appearance of articular cartilage of medial compartment is noted in 31 (11%). In the rest mixed pathology with various combinations were identified.

Conclusion: Good to excellent results were seen in those with isolated common extensor inflammation and poor outcomes were noted in 20 (7%) of patients and the common intraoperative finding seen was degenerative changes of radiocapitellar joint. This was found to be statistically significant.

Goodfellow & Bullough (1968) first described the pattern of articular cartilage wear in the elbow. More recent post mortem studies have shown that advanced degenerative changes can develop in the radio-capitellar (lateral) compartment of elbow joints of elderly subjects in which the humero-ulnar (medial) compartment remains remarkably well preserved. The significance of this post-mortem findings,in an elderly population, with unknown elbow symptom logy, who died from diverse causes, is unknown. There has been no clinically based,in vivo,study of this subject. Our study would support these observations, but indicates that symptomatic degenerative change occurs at a much earlier age than had previously been thought.

We have reviewed the findings in a consecutive series of 117 elbow arthroscopies performed on patients with elbow pain resistant to conservative treatments (age range 21–80 years: mean age 51 years). We documented established degenerative changes involving articular cartilage in 68 patients (59%). In this group we found that in 60 patients (88%) the degenerative changes were confined to the lateral compartment and contrasted with normal appearances of the articular cartilage of the medial compartment.

The findings presented in this work are in full agreement with previous work on the articular wear and biomechanics of the elbow joint. Previous studies which have been on cadaveric specimens, with findings of uncertain symptomatic relevance. To our knowledge, this finding has not previously been demonstrated in a symptomatic, young population. Unicompartmental lateral degeneration of the elbow is therefore a real clinical entity rather than a interesting post mortem finding. As such, it demands consideration in terms of investigation, diagnosis and treatment. It is likely that in the past, many patients have been misdiagnosed as having chronic lateral epicondylitis.

We consider that lateral compartment degenerative change is a distinct clinical entity. It begins in relatively young patients in whom the x ray appearance may be normal or near normal and is often diagnosed as lateral epicondylitis. Our observations taken together with the reported post mortem studies indicate that primary osteoarthritis of the elbow begins in the lateral compartment of the joint and may remain confined to the lateral compartment throughout life. We believe that new treatment strategies need to be developed specifically for patients with primary osteoarthritis as opposed to degenerative joint disease due to other causes.

Purpose of the study: to demonstrate a mechanism of loosening of the Souter-Strathclyde Total Elbow Replacement (TER) using evidence from revision surgery.

Methods: nine Souter-Strathclyde humeral and ulnar components retrieved from revision surgery for aseptic loosening were examined macroscopically and then microscopically under low power magnification. The wear patterns were compared and photographed.

Results and conclusion: inspection of the retrieved cobalt chrome steel humeral components revealed no evidence of surface wear. However on examination of the polyethylene ulnar components six of the nine exhibited macroscopic wear taking the form of deep linear grooves on either the medial or lateral articulating surface. Microscopic examination revealed wear exhibited as complete disruption of the polyethylene machining lines on the medial and lateral articular surfaces, but almost complete preservation on the central gliding ridge. The findings are best explained in the context of normal elbow kinematics and congruence of the Souter-Strathclyde components. The normal elbow joint is not a simple hinge joint. In addition to flexion/extension, axial rotation and abduction/adduction motion patterns occur. However articulating surfaces of the Souter-Strathclyde components are highly congruent and thus resist the elbow’s normal translational and rotational movements. Our wear patterns are the result of humeral component rocking during flexion and extension as a result of this resistance. The central gliding ridge is preserved because the humeral component is not always in contact with it as it rocks out of its articulation in the coronal plane. Furthermore as the humeral component rocks, the sharp edge of its articulating surface makes contact with the articulating surface of the ulna causing abrasion and in the extreme circumstance the deep linear grooves observed. The biomechanics eventually lead to component loosening.

The aim of the study is to assess the humero radial plica which could be a factor in causing lateral elbow pain. The cause of lateral elbow pain has been an enigma for the orthopaedic surgeons over the years. The synovial fold of the humeroradial joint has been well documented and considered as a meniscus between the articulation. They can also present as symptoms suggesting intra articular loose bodies causing pain in these patients. Our study included 117 consecutive elbow arthroscopies performed by two surgeons for a period of 18 months. All patients were initially treated non-operatively as a ‘tennis elbow’ before undergoing arthroscopy. Conservative treatment included rest, activity modification, physiotherapy including ultrasound bracing, nsaids and local corticosteroid injection. All patients were assessed using the Mayo clinic performance index for elbows both pre and post operatively. Radial head plica was found in 21(18%) out of 117 elbow arthroscopies and was resected using a soft tissue resector. There were 16 (76%) men and 5(24%) women in this affected group and all of whom were young and active with a mean age 38 years. Of the 21 patients 16(76%) had a post operative score of 90 or more (excellent) and 5(24%) had a score 75–89(good). This study addresses the fact that cause of lateral elbow pain can be due to various pathologies in the elbow and in the cases of ‘resistant tennis elbows’ we recommend that the existence of a radial head synovial plica should be considered and if present treatment should be directed at this. Our study demonstrates that by resecting the synovial plical fold, pain will be relieved and these patients regained elbow function. Since this was noted in the young active age group this could reduce the morbidity and the time for rehabilitation required especially for those involved in active sports. A similar series has not been cited in English literature

Purpose: The aim our study was to establish the existence of a symptomatic humero-radial synovial plica causing lateral elbow pain and the resection of which has improved pain and restored elbow function

Materials & Methods: Our study included 117 consecutive elbow arthroscopies performed by two surgeons for a period of 18 months from January 2002 to July 2003.

All patients were treated non operatively before undergoing arthroscopy. Conservative treatment included rest, activity modification, physiotherapy including ultrasound bracing, NSAIDS and corticoste-riod injection.

Results: Radial head plica were found in 21(18%) out of 117 elbow arthroscopies and were resected using a soft tissue resector. There were 16 men and 5 women in the study group,all of whom were young and active: mean age 38 years (range 24 to 56 years). All patients were scored pre op and post op using the Mayo clinic performance index for the elbow. Of the 21 patients 17(81%) had a post op score 90 or more(excellent) and 5(19%) had a score 75-89(good)

Conclusion: The synovial fold of the humero-radial joint is documented and considered as a meniscus between the two articulation(Duparc f etal 2002). They can also present present as symptoms suggesting intra articular loose bodies(Clarke R.P etal 1998).

In the case of resistant tennis elbow the existence of a radial head synovial plica should be considered. Our study concludes that by resecting the synovial plical fold will relieve the pain and restore the elbow motion.

Goodfellow & Bullough (1968) first described the pattern of articular cartilage wear in the elbow. More recent post mortem studies have shown that advanced degenerative changes can develop in the radio-capitellar (lateral) compartment of elbow joints of elderly subjects in which the humeroulnar (medial) compartment remains remarkably well preserved. We have reviewed the findings in a consecutive series of 117 elbow arthroscopies performed on patients with elbow pain resistant to conservative treatments (age range 21–80 years: mean age 51 years). We documented established degenerative changes involving articular cartilage in 68 patients (59%). In this group we found that in 60 patients (88%) the degenerative changes were confined to the lateral compartment and contrasted with normal appearances of the articular cartilage of the medial compartment.

The post mortem studies carried out on mainly elderly subjects demonstrated that the degree of degenerative change in the elbow is age dependant and involves predominantly the lateral compartment of the joint. Our study would support these observations, but indicates that symptomatic degenerative change occurs at a much earlier age than had previously been thought.

We consider that lateral compartment degenerative change is a distinct clinical entity. It begins in relatively young patients in whom the x ray appearance may be normal or near normal and is often diagnosed as lateral epicondylitis. Our observations taken together with the reported post mortem studies indicate that primary osteoarthritis of the elbow begins in the lateral compartment of the joint and may remain confined to the lateral compartment throughout life. We believe that new treat ment strategies need to be developed specifically for patients with primary osteoarthritis as opposed to degenerative joint disease due to other causes.

Introduction: It may not be possible to obtain anatomical reduction of displaced supracondylar fractures in children by closed manipulation. We have found difficulties performing open reduction using the described surgical approaches. We report an approach based on studies of the vascular anatomy of triceps, which provides a wide exposure facilitating surgery.

Material And Methods: Between 2002 and 2004 we performed open reduction and internal fixation on 12 children (8 girls, 4 boys: mean age 6).

Our vascular injection studies indicate that the blood supply to triceps brachii is proximally based. We used a posterior approach identifying the ulnar nerve. We mobilised lateral triceps and anconeus in continuity preserving the vascularity and separated the components of distal triceps through an intermuscular septum. The fractures were reduced and fixed using K wires.

Results: The fractures healed in the anatomical position in each child and all 12 demonstrated a full range of elbow movements within 6–8 weeks of K wire removal. We observed no complications.

Discussion: Although closed reduction and percutaneous K wire fixation remains the treatment of choice for displaced supracondylar humeral fractures, anatomical reduction must be achieved ideally and residual rotation of the fracture fragments avoided. We have found that this surgical approach has reduced our reluctance to proceed to surgical treatment of these difficult fractures and consequently a tendency to accept sub optimal reduction.

Conclusion: A surgical approach based on the vascular anatomy of triceps can be used to provide a wide, symmetrical and safe exposure facilitating open reduction and internal fixation of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children whilst avoiding complications including residual elbow stiffness.

An inclusive classification system is required if valid comparisons are to be made between the various types of implants used for total elbow replacement (TER). The aim of the study was to consider the characteristics of the prostheses developed for TER in order to classify these into clearly defined categories.

A descriptive term such as ‘surface replacement’ is unhelpful as this would embrace every design.A classification based solely upon degree of resistance to movement –‘constraint’-is untenable. ‘Constrained’ or ‘fully constrained’ accurately describes a uni-axial hinge, but the term ‘semi-constrained’ defies description.

The terms ‘unconstrained’ or ‘non-constrained’ applied to a joint defy understanding. If articulating surfaces offer no resistance to movement as these terms imply, then there can be no contact between those articulating surfaces.

A definable, inclusive classification can be formulated by considering the mechanical characteristics of the articulating surfaces of each design.

Every design of TER can be classified into one of two broad groups, Linked or Unlinked. We define linked components as those offering resistance to distraction which includes snap-fit designs. Each of these two groups can then be sub-divided into ‘congruous’ or ‘non-congruous’ designs depending upon the shape of the articulating surfaces.

This classification can therefore be summarised as: Linked Congruous – original uni-axial hinge, snap fit designs; Linked Non-congruous – ‘sloppy hinge’; Unlinked Congruous – eg. Capitellocondylar,Souter/ Strathclyde,Roper-Tuke etc; and Unlinked Non-congruous – Kudo, iBP

We studied 12 patients (13 elbows) who underwent total elbow replacement (TER) using the Kudo Mk IV or V prosthesis between 1989 and 1997. There were eight females and four males (mean age: 61 years, range: 38–74 years). The diagnosis was Rheumatoid arthritis in 10 patients and osteoarthritis in two patients. In each patient the initial result was classified as either excellent or good. All these patients then reported the recurrence of severe pain at a mean of four years from the time of the primary operation. Radiographic examination demonstrated fracture of the humeral stem in 10 elbows and subluxation of the joint in three elbows. The fractured humeral components were exchanged for long stem components. The three subluxated elbows were found to have undergone delamination and loosening of the ulnar components which were revised. One of these required revision to a linked prosthesis due to bone loss.

In each case metallosis was found involving principally the synovial tissues which were as far as possible excised. Each patient regained a similar range of movement to that following the primary arthroplasty but continues to experience episodes of pain requiring anti-inflammatory medication. This is in contrast to our patients requiring revision procedures for implant loosening or instability who have become pain free.

We conclude that the development of metallosis complicating mechanical implant failure predisposes to persisting symptoms following revision arthroplasty and recommend that this should be undertaken sooner rather than later when mechanical failure is detected.