OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results and advantages of percutaneous extensor tenotomy performed in patients with lateral epicondylitis resistant to conservative treatment. METHODS: Percutaneous extensor tenotomy was performed in nine patients (7 females, 2 males; mean age 44 years; range 32 to 54 years) with lateral epicondylitis unresponsive to conservative treatment. The mean duration of the complaints was 25 months (range 9 months to 4 years), during which a mean of 2.7 (range 2 to 4) local corticosteroid injections was administered. The patients were operated under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. The procedure lasted approximately 4.5 minutes. The remaining portion of the tendon was removed by manipulation. The results were evaluated according to the criteria by Verhaar et al. The mean follow-up period was nine months (range 4 to 15 months). RESULTS: The patients were able to use their affected arms after a mean of nine days (range 6 to 14 days). Hematoma that developed in the lateral epicondyle distally in two patients resolved spontaneously. All patients' complaints of pain decreased by more than 50% within six to eight weeks. The results were excellent or good in eight patients and fair in one patient. All patients but one were satisfied with the result of tenotomy. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous extensor tenotomy is a simple procedure; it can be performed under outpatient settings, and yields favorable results in patients with lateral epicondylitis resistant to conservative treatment.
OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results and advantages of percutaneous extensor tenotomy performed in patients with lateral epicondylitis resistant to conservative treatment. METHODS: Percutaneous extensor tenotomy was performed in nine patients (7 females, 2 males; mean age 44 years; range 32 to 54 years) with lateral epicondylitis unresponsive to conservative treatment. The mean duration of the complaints was 25 months (range 9 months to 4 years), during which a mean of 2.7 (range 2 to 4) local corticosteroid injections was administered. The patients were operated under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. The procedure lasted approximately 4.5 minutes. The remaining portion of the tendon was removed by manipulation. The results were evaluated according to the criteria by Verhaar et al. The mean follow-up period was nine months (range 4 to 15 months). RESULTS: The patients were able to use their affected arms after a mean of nine days (range 6 to 14 days). Hematoma that developed in the lateral epicondyle distally in two patients resolved spontaneously. All patients' complaints of pain decreased by more than 50% within six to eight weeks. The results were excellent or good in eight patients and fair in one patient. All patients but one were satisfied with the result of tenotomy. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous extensor tenotomy is a simple procedure; it can be performed under outpatient settings, and yields favorable results in patients with lateral epicondylitis resistant to conservative treatment.