Treatment of recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis with suture anchor repair.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lateral epicondylitis has been treated with various surgical procedures with varying and often less-than-satisfactory outcomes.

HYPOTHESIS: The use of suture anchor repair of the extensor carpi radialis brevis to the lateral epicondyle in the treatment of chronic lateral epicondylitis will result in a more anatomical repair, with resultant improvements in strength, pain, and return to previous sport.

STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS: A total of 20 patients (22 elbows) were treated surgically and were observed for a minimum of 2 years. All patients had debridement of the degenerative tissue, followed by repair of the extensor carpi radialis brevis to the lateral epicondyle with a suture anchor. The average time to follow-up was 4.2 years (range, 2.2-9.5 years). All patients completed a Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire to assess residual disability, and 16 patients underwent a physical examination. The objective evaluation included the assessment of range of motion, grip strength, and pinch strength. Pain was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using a visual analog pain scale. Patients were also questioned with regard to a return to their previous level of activities.

RESULTS: The grip and pinch strengths achieved for the operative extremity were 110% and 106%, respectively, of the nonoperative limb. The 16 patients who underwent a physical examination had achieved full range of motion, with 15 (94%) returning to their previous level of activity at an average time of 4.1 months. The mean preoperative pain score was 8.1 (range, 4.0-10.0), whereas the mean postoperative pain score was 0.41 (range, 0-1.5), indicating significant pain relief (P < .001). The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores demonstrated only mild residual disability (mean, 6.6) at follow-up.

CONCLUSION: The use of a suture anchor to repair the extensor carpi radialis brevis to the epicondyle after debridement was a satisfactory procedure for recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis with regard to strength, return to previous activities, and pain relief.