title: V-Y slide of the common extensor origin for lateral elbow tendonopathy.
abstract: Twenty-two patients (23 limbs) with chronic lateral elbow tendonopathy were examined retrospectively after surgical management. Thirteen men and 9 women with an average age of 43 years (range, 32-54 years) had a mean follow-up time of 41.2 months (range, 9-97 months). All patients underwent at least 6 months of nonsurgical treatment without favorable response. V-Y slide of the common extensor origin was done for all patients. Sixteen patients (17 elbows) were examined after surgery and 6 were interviewed by telephone. None of the patients had major complications or permanent loss of elbow motion. A pain rating scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the worst) showed a difference from a rating of 9.0 (range, 7-10) before surgery to 1.4 (range, 0-4) after surgery. Grip strength increased from 57 lb (range, 5-125 lb) to 99 lb (range, 60-135 lb). Five patients (23%) reported some degree of cold intolerance. Twenty-one patients (95%) returned to their preoperative occupation with 1 patient not returning to work because of elbow pain caused by heavy and repetitive elbow stress especially from vibrating tools. Twenty-one patients (95%) reported no limitations in daily activities; 1 patient reported difficulty with opening jars. Seven people (32%) reported limitations in high-demand recreational activities. All patients were rated as poor before surgery and excellent or good after surgery by a grading scale. All patients were satisfied with the outcome of surgery. After surgical treatment for lateral elbow tendonopathy, pain relief and restoration of elbow function can be achieved. V-Y slide of the extensor origin has low morbidity, does not violate the joint space or lateral stabilizing ligaments of the elbow, allows adequate release, and has a high rate of satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Rayan
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Coray
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013710:Tendons / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome