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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1993

MR imaging of patients with lateral epicondylitis of the elbow (tennis elbow): importance of increased signal of the anconeus muscle.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine what changes might be detected on MR images of patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) that could explain why some cases are resistant to therapy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seven consecutive patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis were included. The diagnosis was based on symptoms and signs characteristic of the disease, as determined by each patient's orthopedic surgeon. Three volunteers with normal elbows were control subjects. All patients had MR imaging of the involved elbow, and control subjects had MR imaging of the nondominant elbow. Short tau inversion-recovery (STIR) MR imaging was chosen because of its sensitivity to changes in the water content of muscle and its suppression of the fat signal. The images were analyzed visually and on an MR workstation to measure the signal intensity of the elbow muscles. RESULTS: In all seven patients, MR images showed increased signal intensity of the anconeus muscle. This increase in signal intensity was not observed in the control subjects, and to our knowledge it has not been reported previously. CONCLUSION: Increased signal intensity of the anconeus muscle on MR images in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis suggests involvement of the muscle. Increased signal intensity is seen with edema, granulation tissue, and inflammation, which may explain the findings in this study. Our results are inconclusive as to whether this increased signal intensity contributes to the chronicity of patient symptomatology or is associated with abnormal elbow motion because of the symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

A rational management of tennis elbow.

Tennis elbow is due to a torque injury or sudden overstretching of tendons which insert into the epicondyles of the humerus. The predominant lesion is an enthesopathy--a pathological lesion at the insertion of tendon into bone. The most common site is at the lateral epicondyle and this is 3 times as frequent as at the medial epicondyle. Approximately 50% of tennis players can expect to get a tennis elbow at some time during their playing lifetime. In one-third of the players this will be severe enough to interfere with their tasks of daily living. The major unresolved question about the aetiology of tennis elbow is why it has its peak incidence between the ages of 40 and 50 years and why 90% of players then have no further recurrence. Making sense of the literature on the treatment of tennis elbow is difficult because there are few studies that have used the acceptable epidemiological techniques of the prospective randomised controlled trial or case-controlled study. Most papers are based on a collection of highly selected cases which represent the more intractable end of the tennis elbow spectrum and their reported results have been inconsistent. Tennis elbow is largely a self-limiting condition. The prime aim of treatment should be based on Hippocrates' first tenet of medicine--first do no harm. Therapy should start with the simple and conservative before progressing to the more complex and invasive therapies. It should be acceptable to the patient, cost-effective and where invasive therapy is recommended, the potential benefits should clearly outweigh the risks. The principles of therapy for tennis elbow are to relieve pain, microbleeding and inflammation, promote healing, rehabilitate the injured arm and try to prevent recurrence. The most effective modalities of treatment are found to be cryotherapy in the acute stage then nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and heat in its various modalities including ultrasound. This is combined with rest which is best defined as the absence of painful activity. Injection of a depot preparation of cortisone is effective although patient reports are not as flattering as those of doctors. There is no advantage and in fact considerable disadvantage in using more than 2 such injections. Therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic have not been evaluated. Nevertheless they cause no harm, may result in good and should be tried before resorting to more invasive therapy. Rehabilitation should run parallel to treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Humans↗
PubMed1992

Conservative therapy for tennis elbow.

Tennis elbow is a common overuse syndrome. It is accompanied by degenerative changes in the enthesis of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle. It may be best diagnosed clinically by eliminating other possible causes of lateral elbow pain. Physical methods should always be selected as initial treatment. Immobilisation is the initial advice that most doctors give: ultrasound has been shown to be effective in a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, and low energy laser has been found to reduce objective but not subjective symptoms. Other forms of physical treatment like electrotherapy, thermotherapy and massages can be tried, even though proof of their efficacy needs to be established more firmly. When physical treatments have failed, steroid injections can help. If symptoms still persist, then surgery is called for. There are still many open questions surrounding the syndrome of tennis elbow. Research into this common soft tissue disease should be intensified.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed2006

Extensor origin vascularity related to pain in patients with Tennis elbow.

Tennis elbow, extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendinosis, is a condition with unknown etiology and pathogenesis, known to be difficult to treat. The pain mechanisms have not been fully clarified, but involvement of a neurogenic inflammation mediated via the neuropeptide Substance-P (SP), has been suggested. In this investigation, grey-scale ultrasonography (US) and colour Doppler (CD) was used to examine the common extensor origin in 17 patients with the diagnose Tennis elbow in altogether 22 elbows, and in 11 controls with 22 pain-free elbows. In 21/22 elbows with chronic pain from the extensor origin, but only in 2/22 pain-free elbows, vascularity was demonstrated in the extensor origin. After US and CD-guided injection of a local anaesthetic, targeting the area with vessels, the patients were pain-free during extensor-loading activity. The area with vascularity found in the extensor origin seems to be related to pain. Most likely, the findings correspond with the vasculo-neural in growth that has been demonstrated in the chronic painful Achilles tendon, and possibly have implications for treatment.

Anesthetics, Local↗
PubMed1977

Tennis elbow.

Tennis elbow is an inflammation and/or rupture of the extensor aponeurosis at or about the lateral epicondyle. Relief of inflammation, improvement of strength, endurance, and flexibility of the injured extensor muscle unit, and diminution of the force loads in most instances will relieve symptoms.

Athletic Injuries↗
PubMed1989

Tennis elbow.

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition of the elbow resulting from overuse during athletic or occupational activity. Functionally, it is a tendinitis of the origin of the forearm extensor muscle mass. Diagnosis is mainly based on symptoms and signs, including lateral elbow pain during twisting and gripping and tenderness at the lateral forearm exacerbated by stress testing of the forearm extensors. Comprehensive treatment should include rest, use of ice, antiinflammatory drug therapy, use of sleep-cycle modifiers, and sometimes surgery in otherwise unresponsive cases.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Tennis elbow].

Tennis elbow is most often due to a tendinitis of the extensor carpi radialis brevis, and occasionally of the extensor digitorum. Pain felt at the outer aspect of the elbow, is elicited by grasping. Passive movements are painless, and of full range, excepted for extension, and varus strain tested in slight flexion. Isometric contraction of all the muscles controlling the joint are painless, excepted resisted extension of the wrist. The most usual painful spots lay on the lateral epicondyle, or lower on the common tendon. Diagnosis is confirmed when signs disappear immediately after a correct injection of lignocaine, and persist at least 3 Weeks if a corticoïd is added. The two outstanding differential diagnoses are internal derangement of the humero-radial joint, and entrapment of the sensory branch of the radial nerve. Many treatments are indicated. In a series of 58 cases, cervical manipulations give in most cases only a temporary relief; deep transverse massage applied on the tendon below the epicondyle, gives in a series of 131 cases good and excellent results in 63% of the cases. In a series of 257 cases, injections of corticoïds gives full relief in all cases, but the rate of recurrences is 66.7%, although 67% of those recur only once or twice. Percutaneous tenotomy performed only in patients recurring after temporary cure, drops the rate of recurrences to 13%. The last alternative is open surgery, releasing the common tendon.

Humans↗
PubMed2003

Elbow tendinopathy: tennis elbow.

The pathoanatomy of overuse tendinopathy is noninflammatory angiofibroblastic tendinosis. The areas of elbow abnormality are specific, including the ECRB-EDC complex laterally, the pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis medially, and triceps posteriorly. The goals of nonoperative treatment are to revitalize the unhealthy pain-producing tendinosis tissue. The key to nonoperative treatment is rehabilitative resistance exercise with progression of the exercise program. If rehabilitation fails, the surgical interventions as described are highly successful.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Orthotic devices for tennis elbow.

BACKGROUND: Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a frequently reported condition. A wide variety of treatment strategies has been described. As of yet, no optimal strategy has been identified. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of orthotic devices for treatment of tennis elbow. SEARCH STRATEGY: An electronic database search was conducted using Medline, Embase, Cinahl, the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register, Current Contents and reference lists from all retrieved articles. Experts on the subjects were approached for additional trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised clinical trials (RCT) describing individuals with diagnosed lateral epicondylitis and comparing the use of an orthotic device as a treatment strategy were evaluated for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed the validity of the included trials and extracted data on relevant outcome measures. Dichotomous outcomes were expressed as Relative Risks (RRs) and continuous outcomes as Standardised Mean Differences (SMD), both with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Statistical pooling and subgroup analyses were intended MAIN RESULTS: Five small-size RCTs (N per group 7-49) were included. Validity score ranged from 3-9 positive items out of 11. Subgroup analyses were not performed due to the small number of trials. The limited number of included trials present few outcome measures and limited long-term results. Pooling was not possible due to large heterogeneity amongst trials. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: No definitive conclusions can be drawn concerning effectiveness of orthotic devices for lateral epicondylitis. More well-designed and well-conducted RCTs of sufficient power are warranted.

Humans↗
PubMed2005

The predictive value of the extensor grip test for the effectiveness of bracing for tennis elbow.

BACKGROUND: Tennis elbow is a common complaint. Several treatment strategies, such as corticosteroid injections and physical therapy and braces, have been described. HYPOTHESIS: The extensor grip test has predictive value in assessing the effectiveness of bracing in tennis elbow. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: Patients with tennis elbow complaints were randomized into 3 groups: brace only, physical therapy, and combination brace and physical therapy. The extensor grip test was performed before randomization on all patients. Outcome measures at 6-week follow-up were success rate, severity of complaints, pain, disability, inconvenience during daily life, and satisfaction. RESULTS: In the brace-only group, significant differences were identified between patients with a positive test result and patients with a negative test result for 3 outcome measures. The success rate in the test-negative group was 23% (5/22) compared to 47% (21/45) in the test-positive group. Mean decrease in pain was 23 (95% confidence interval, -3 to 49) in the test-positive group compared to 11 (95% confidence interval, -6 to 28) in the test-negative group, and mean satisfaction in the test-positive group was 71 (95% confidence interval, 48 to 94) compared to 51 (95% confidence interval, 24 to 78) in the test-negative group. In the physical therapy and combination groups, no differences were identified between test-positive and test-negative patients. CONCLUSION: The extensor grip test seems valuable as a predictive factor for the effectiveness of bracing as treatment for tennis elbow over the short term.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The predictive value of diagnostic sonography for the effectiveness of conservative treatment of tennis elbow.

OBJECTIVE: Tennis elbow is a common complaint. Several treatment strategies have been described, but an optimal strategy has not been identified. Sonographic imaging as a predictive factor has never been studied. The aim of our study was to determine the value of sonographic findings in predicting response to conservative therapy for tennis elbow. This was done in a randomized controlled trial in which the effectiveness of a brace only, physical therapy only, and a combination of both were compared. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients with tennis elbow complaints were randomized. Sonography was performed before randomization in 57 patients. Outcome measures at 6 weeks' follow-up were success rate and decrease in pain (scale, 0-100). Data were analyzed using an intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: In only 75% of the imaged patients, sonographic abnormalities were identified and the clinical diagnosis could thus be confirmed. The following entities were identified: hypo- and hyperechogenicity, swelling, calcification, bursitis, enthesopathy, and tendinosis. The positive predictive value of sonography for the different entities varied between 0.78 and 0.82, and the negative predictive value ranged between 0.23 and 0.71. Predictive value was studied by subgroups of sonographic findings: hypoechoic, swelling present, enthesopathy, any entity present, and no entity present. We found no significant differences among the subgroups for either success rate (range, 40-54%) or mean decrease in pain (range, 16-28 percentage points). CONCLUSION: No predictive value of sonography for the detection of abnormalities was identified in this study. Its diagnostic capability showed limited value. However, limitations in this study necessitate drawing definitive conclusions with care.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Tennis elbow: an ultrasonographic study in tennis players.

The findings of ultrasound examination at and around the lateral humeral epicondyle in 41 tennis players suffering from so called tennis elbow are reported. Ultrasound examinations were performed with a real time ultrasound machine. The tenderness and functional impairment of tennis elbow may be caused by several different lesions, at times appearing in association. Six ultrasonographic characteristics could be identified: Enthesiopathy The proximal part of the tendon was enlarged and there were echogenicity alterations. Tendonitis The tendon of the extensor carpi radialis brevis was enlarged and areas of dyshomogeneous hypoechogenicity were evident with loss of the normal microscopic waveform structure of the tendon collagen. Peritendonitis A thickening of the peritendonous lining was present. Bursitis A bursa was located on the inferior surface of the tendon of the extensor carpi radialis brevis. Intramuscular haematoma Some circular or ovoid hypoechogenic areas within the muscular substance of the extensor carpi radialis brevis were evident. Mixed lesions These were not correlated with the intensity and the duration of the symptoms. Ultrasonographic examination gives a detailed ++image of the structures involved in the tennis elbow syndrome, confirms the diagnosis, and may be useful in monitoring treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Tennis elbow in aviators.

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is described in three aviators. In two of the three aviators, the tennis elbow was felt to be caused by duties involving flight operations and resulted in temporary suspension from flight operations. Relief of the symptoms was obtained with conservative therapy. The symptomatology, predisposing factors, physical findings, treatment, and prevention of tennis elbow are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

The biomechanics of tennis elbow. An integrated approach.

Tennis elbow afflicts 40% to 50% of the average, recreational tennis players; most of these players more than 30 years of age. Tennis elbow is thought to be the result of microtrauma, the overuse and inflammation at the origin of the ECRB as a result of repeated large impact forces created when the ball hits the racket in the backhand stroke. Several authors have found that EMG activity in the ECRB, the muscle and tendon complex afflicted in tennis elbow, is high during the acceleration and early follow-through phases of the groundstrokes and during the cocking phase of the serve. Unfortunately, none of the authors gave evidence to support the claim that muscle activity in the ECRB at ball contact is high. In the one-handed backhand, the torques at impact (17-24 nm) will be absorbed by the tendons of the elbow. Giangarra and his colleagues observed that the two-handed backhand "allows the forces at ball impact to be transmitted through the elbow rather than absorbed by the tissues at the elbow." Other authors have reported that players using a two-handed backhand will rarely develop lateral epicondylitis, because the helping arm appears to absorb more energy and changes the mechanics of the swing. As seen by Morris and colleagues, Giangarra and associates, and Leach and colleagues, players who utilize the two-handed backhand have a very low incidence of tennis elbow. These three studies conclude that the two-handed backhand stroke is probably the most effective backhand stroke to prevent lateral tennis elbow. Studies show that wrist extensors are highly involved in all strokes (serve, forehand, and both one- and two-handed backhand strokes). This relatively high involvement (40%-70% MVC) throughout play may result in overload of this muscular group. Thus, tennis elbow may be caused simply by continued use of this muscular system in all strokes, and not just because of the high forces absorbed at impact. Another theory concerning impact states that if the extensor group is already at near maximum contraction, vibrations and twisting movements are transferred directly through the muscle (muscle stiffness at this point would be great) to the tendinous insertion, causing repeated microtrauma. If the muscle is the stiffest element in the system, the force will be transferred to the tendon. It is evident that a need exists for specific study of muscular response during impact. More microanalysis of the impact phase needs to be conducted specifically for the one-handed backhand groundstroke.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1994

Tennis elbow: a review.

Tennis elbow is a common yet sometimes complex musculoskeletal condition affecting many patients treated by physical therapists. The purpose of this article is to review the anatomy, clinical examination, differential diagnosis, conservative care, and surgical treatment for tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis. Particular attention is given to determining the precise pathological cause of lateral epicondylitis, with consideration of intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with this condition. This information should assist health care practitioners who treat patients with this disorder.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed1993

Tennis elbow.

The term "tennis elbow" usually refers to lateral epicondylitis, but the same symptoms can be caused by pathologic processes in the elbow. In fact, most cases of this common condition are caused by occupational stress rather than racket sports. Patients complain of elbow pain when the wrist is extended against resistance or during repetitive actions with the wrist and elbow extended. The condition is thought to be caused by a lesion at the origin of the common wrist extensor mechanism, at or very near the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Differential diagnosis includes inflammatory, arthritic and nerve entrapment syndromes. Prompt conservative treatment has a high success rate. Patient education, use of a tennis-elbow band and physical therapy play key roles in the management of acute symptoms and in the prevention of recurrence. Surgical intervention is required only when other treatment fails.

Adult↗