The effect of surgical treatment of elbow epicondylitis:comparison of techniques

Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the results of surgical treatment of elbow epicondylitis.Material and Methods: Ninety-six consecutive adults (99 elbows) that were operated for epicondylitis were enrolled in this study. The first group of patients underwent denervation of the lateral epicondylitis, the second group had the Morrey operation, the third group was operated using author’s method. Control examinations were carried out at 3, 6 and 12 months. Clinical results were evaluated clinically, visual analogue scale VAS, hand grip dynamometry, DASH and Mayo questionnaires.results: Positive dynamic was observed at all observation periods. In group one at the third month of observation had the best functional results, but regression after 12 months after the operation was significant. Patients in groups 2 and 3 had stable pain diminution, better hand muscle strength and function, decrease of disability of the upper limb. The best results were obtained in group 3, those were patients operated using author’s technique.Conclusions: In case of recurrence of epicondylitis, surgical treatment is the method of choice.Denervation of the epicondyle cannot be an operation of choice, due to significant regression in a period of 1 year. The result of the surgical treatment and its durability depend on the radical nature of the operation performed.