Efficacy of nonoperative treatment for lateral epicondylitis.
One hundred cases of lateral epicondylitis among 97 patients were reviewed, and 84 patients were contacted for long-term follow-up. Patients participated in a structured nonoperative treatment regimen. Mean age of contacted patients was 49 years; mean follow-up was 2.8 years. Surgery was averted in 65 (75%) of 87 cases. Patients who achieved pain control after only 1 cortisone injection successfully avoided surgery 88% of the time, whereas those requiring multiple injections avoided surgery only 44% of the time. Eventual outcomes were similar, regardless of treatment type. Patients requiring multiple cortisone injections to alleviate acute pain have a guarded prognosis for continued nonoperative management.
Bowen
R E
RE
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
Dorey
F J
FJ
Shapiro
M S
MS
D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005938:Glucocorticoids