PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of microtenotomy using a radiofrequency (RF) probe to treat chronic tendinosis of the common extensor tendon origins of the elbow (lateral epicondyle). TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective, nonrandomized consecutive case series. METHODS: The average age of the 13 patients was 48.3 +/- 5.5 years. Before receiving the microtenotomy, all patients had tendinosis symptoms for 6 months or longer and had failed conservative treatment. The RF-based microdebridement was performed on the symptomatic tendon using the TOPAZ Microdebrider device (ArthroCare, Sunnyvale, CA). Patients were followed-up at regular postoperative intervals for 24 months. Pain status was documented using a visual analog scale self-reported measure. Functional outcome was assessed using the upper limb DASH evaluation and grip-strength measures. Quality of life assessment was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at regular intervals over the follow-up period. RESULTS: Patients reported significantly reduced pain from baseline at the 7- to 10-day postoperative examination (P < or = .01). Pain reduction was statistically stable from 7 to 10 days through the 24-month postoperative period (P < or = .01). Limb-specific functional outcomes and quality of life scores were improved over baseline values. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications related to the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The RF-based microtenotomy procedure was safe and effective through at least 2 years. This procedure provides a valuable addition for treating patients with lateral epicondylitis associated with tendinosis who have failed conservative therapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of microtenotomy using a radiofrequency (RF) probe to treat chronic tendinosis of the common extensor tendon origins of the elbow (lateral epicondyle). TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective, nonrandomized consecutive case series. METHODS: The average age of the 13 patients was 48.3 +/- 5.5 years. Before receiving the microtenotomy, all patients had tendinosis symptoms for 6 months or longer and had failed conservative treatment. The RF-based microdebridement was performed on the symptomatic tendon using the TOPAZ Microdebrider device (ArthroCare, Sunnyvale, CA). Patients were followed-up at regular postoperative intervals for 24 months. Pain status was documented using a visual analog scale self-reported measure. Functional outcome was assessed using the upper limb DASH evaluation and grip-strength measures. Quality of life assessment was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at regular intervals over the follow-up period. RESULTS:Patients reported significantly reduced pain from baseline at the 7- to 10-day postoperative examination (P < or = .01). Pain reduction was statistically stable from 7 to 10 days through the 24-month postoperative period (P < or = .01). Limb-specific functional outcomes and quality of life scores were improved over baseline values. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications related to the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The RF-based microtenotomy procedure was safe and effective through at least 2 years. This procedure provides a valuable addition for treating patients with lateral epicondylitis associated with tendinosis who have failed conservative therapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.
Authors: Thomas De Smedt; Andy de Jong; Wim Van Leemput; Dossche Lieven; Francis Van Glabbeek Journal: Br J Sports Med Date: 2007-07-06 Impact factor: 13.800
Authors: M Ilum Boesen; S Torp-Pedersen; M Juhl Koenig; R Christensen; H Langberg; P Hölmich; M Bachmann Nielsen; H Bliddal Journal: Br J Sports Med Date: 2006-06-28 Impact factor: 13.800