Rayan et al. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 2010, 5:31 RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access Common extensor origin release in recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis - role justified? Faizal Rayan1*, Vittal SR Rao2, Sanjay Purushothamdas3, Cibu Mukundan4, Syed O Shafqat5 Abstract The aim of our study was to analyse the efficacy of operative management in recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis of elbow. Forty patients included in this study were referred by general practitioners with a diagnosis of tennis elbow to the orthopaedic department at a district general hospital over a five year period. All had two or more steroid injections at the tender spot, without permanent relief of. | Rayan et al. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 2010 5 31 http content 5 1 31 JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND RESEARCH RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access Common extensor origin release in recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis - role justified Faizal Rayan1 Vittal SR Rao2 Sanjay Purushothamdas3 Cibu Mukundan4 Syed O Shafqat5 Abstract The aim of our study was to analyse the efficacy of operative management in recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis of elbow. Forty patients included in this study were referred by general practitioners with a diagnosis of tennis elbow to the orthopaedic department at a district general hospital over a five year period. All had two or more steroid injections at the tender spot without permanent relief of pain. All subsequently underwent simple fasciotomy of the extensor origin. Of forty patients thirty five had improvement in pain and function two had persistent symptoms and three did not perceive any improvement. Twenty five had excellent ten had well two had fair and three had poor outcomes recurrent problem pain at rest and night . Two patients underwent revision surgery. Majority of the patients had improvement in pain and function following operative treatment. In this study an extensor fas-ciotomy was demonstrated to be an effective treatment for refractory chronic lateral epicondylitis however further studies are warranted. Introduction Lateral epicondylitis is characterised by localised pain over the origin of extensor muscles of the finger and wrist at the lateral epicondyle. The cornerstone of the diagnosis are detailed history regarding aggravating and relieving factors and the provocative tests like grasping in elbow extension resisted wrist and long finger extension and resisted forearm supination 1 . There is often a decrease in the grip strength 1 . Differential diagnosis includes radial tunnel syndrome radio humeral arthritis osteochondritis of capitellum posterolateral instability of the elbow and .
