Lateral epicondylitis in general practice: course and prognostic indicators of outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the course of lateral epicondylitis and identify prognostic indicators associated with short- and longterm outcome of pain intensity.


METHODS
We prospectively followed patients (n = 349) from 2 randomized controlled trials investigating conservative interventions for lateral epicondylitis in primary care. Uni- and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to investigate the association between potential prognostic indicators and pain intensity (0-100 point scale) measured at 1, 6, and 12 months after randomization. Potential prognostic factors were duration of elbow complaints, concomitant neck pain, concomitant shoulder pain, previous elbow complaints, baseline pain scores, age, gender, involvement of dominant side, social class, and work status. The variables "study" and "treatment" were included as covariates in all models.


RESULTS
Pain scores at 1 month followup were higher in patients with severe pain, a long duration of elbow complaints, and concomitant shoulder pain. At 12 month followup, the only different prognostic indicator for poor outcome was concomitant neck pain, in place of shoulder pain. Patients from higher social classes reported lower pain scores at 12 month followup than patients from lower social classes.


CONCLUSIONS
Lateral epicondylitis seems to be a self-limiting condition in most patients. Long duration of elbow complaints, concomitant neck pain, and severe pain at presentation are associated with poor outcome at 12 months. Our results will help care providers give patients accurate information regarding their prognosis and assist in medical decision-making.
Smidt
Nynke
N
Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. n.smidt@amc.uva.nl
Lewis
Martyn
M
VAN DER Windt
Daniëlle A W M
DA
Hay
Elaine M
EM
Bouter
Lex M
LM
Croft
Peter
P
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003657:Decision Making; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D059408:Pain Management; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide