Authors: Hubert Lenoir, Olivier Mares, Yacine Carlier...

Lateral epicondylitis is the most common cause of lateral elbow pain. Although also known as tennis elbow, lateral epicondylitis often develops as a work-related condition and therefore constitutes a major public health issue. This article reviews the pathophysiological factors involved in lateral epicondylitis, as well as the tools available for establishing the diagnosis and ruling out other causes of lateral elbow pain. Finally, the non-operative and surgical treatment options are discussed in detail.

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Humans; Orthopedic Procedures; Pain; Physical Therapy Modalities; Tennis Elbow

PubMed: 31543413
DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2019.09.004

Review

Authors: Nicholas Johns, Vivek Shridhar

BACKGROUND

Lateral epicondylitis, more commonly referred to as 'tennis elbow', is a common condition seen in general practice. It effects approximately 4-7 per 1000 individuals. Despite this, the aetiology and pathophysiology remain poorly understood. Often presenting as lateral elbow pain, the differential diagnosis includes entrapment syndromes, cervical radiculopathy, osseous pathology and inflammatory conditions. Though in 90% of cases the condition is self-limiting, persistent symptoms can be difficult to manage.

OBJECTIVE

In this article, a review of recent English-language journal articles explores current concepts related to lateral epicondylitis and examines the evidence behind the recommendation for the use of non-operative and operative treatment modalities.

DISCUSSION

Lateral epicondylitis is an enthesopathy associated with the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle. A clinical history and examination is usually sufficient to make a diagnosis. Maudsley's and Cozen's clinical tests have a high sensitivity in diagnosing lateral epicondylitis. The available evidence supports the use of non-operative treatment modalities in managing this condition. When comparing the different operative treatments described, there appears to be no significant advantage of intervention over the natural history of lateral epicondylitis.

Topics: Cumulative Trauma Disorders; Humans; Tennis Elbow

PubMed: 33123709
DOI: 10.31128/AJGP-07-20-5519

Review

Authors: Anam F Pathan, H V Sharath

Tennis elbow, a common musculoskeletal disorder also known as lateral epicondylitis, causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. Although it is frequently linked to repetitive motions, such as those in racquet sports, it can affect people in a variety of occupations and activities. Tennis elbow can be treated conservatively with physiotherapy, which focuses on pain management, functional recovery, and recurrence prevention. The goal of this review is to give a thorough overview of the physiotherapy methods used to treat tennis elbow. In order to determine the most effective treatment options, it is crucial to comprehend the pathophysiology and etiology of tennis elbow from the outset of the study. The assessment and diagnosis of tennis elbow are next covered, emphasizing the importance of physiotherapists in correctly diagnosing the ailment and distinguishing it from other musculoskeletal problems that are comparable to it. This study primarily focuses on the numerous physiotherapy therapies for tennis elbow, which may include but are not limited to, and the section examines the use of manual treatments to treat pain and enhance joint function, including joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, and myofascial release. Exercise rehabilitation covers the value of tailored workouts to bolster the weak muscles and enhance the elbow joint's biomechanics. Numerous workout regimens are covered, such as eccentric training and progressive resistance exercises, as well as modalities. Therapeutic agents frequently make use of modalities such as ultrasound, laser therapy, and cryotherapy. It may also make use of complementary therapeutic agents such as taping and bracing. In summary, this in-depth analysis highlights the crucial role that physical therapy plays in the treatment of tennis elbow. It seeks to give practitioners a useful tool for enhancing the care and results of patients with this common and crippling ailment by summarizing the most recent research and best practices in physiotherapy approaches.

PubMed: 38021828
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47706

Review

Authors: Kun-Long Ma, Hai-Qiang Wang

Lateral epicondylitis, also termed as "tennis elbow," is the most common cause of elbow pain and dysfunction, mainly resulting from repetitive gripping or wrist extension during various activities. The exact pathogenesis remains largely elusive with putative tendinosis, a symptomatic degenerative process of the local tendon. It is usually diagnosed by clinical examinations. Sometimes, additional imaging is required for a specific differential diagnosis. Although most cases can be self-healing, the optimal treatment strategy for chronic lateral epicondylitis remains controversial. This article presents a landscape of emerging evidence on lateral epicondylitis and focuses on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management, shedding light on the understandings and treatment for healthcare professionals.

Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Tennis Elbow

PubMed: 32454922
DOI: 10.1155/2020/6965381

Review

Authors: S Cutts, Shafat Gangoo, Nitin Modi...

Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow is a common condition that presents with pain and tenderness around the common extensor origin of the elbow. Tennis elbow is estimated to affect 1-3% of the adult population each year and is more common in the dominant arm. It is generally regarded as an overuse injury involving repeated wrist extension against resistance, although it can occur as an acute injury (trauma to the lateral elbow). Up to 50% of all tennis players develop symptoms due to various factors including poor swing technique the use of heavy racquet. It's also seen in labourers who utilise heavy tools or engage in repetitive gripping or lifting task. In this article, we discuss the existing literature in the field and the current thinking on optimum treatment modalities. We have reviewed the literature available on med line and have discussed the condition with our specialist colleagues in the field.

PubMed: 31889742
DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2019.08.005

Review

Authors: Renée Keijsers, Robert-Jan de Vos, P Paul Fm Kuijer...

Tennis elbow is the most common cause of lateral-sided elbow pain with a major socioeconomic impact. The etiology of tennis elbow is not completely understood, but there are many different treatment options. This review gives an overview of the current concepts of diagnosis and treatment of tennis elbow and the impact on work participation.

PubMed: 31534489
DOI: 10.1177/1758573218797973

Review

Authors: B Elliott

Success in tennis requires a mix of player talent, good coaching, appropriate equipment, and an understanding of those aspects of sport science pertinent to the game. This paper outlines the role that biomechanics plays in player development from sport science and sport medicine perspectives. Biomechanics is a key area in player development because all strokes have a fundamental mechanical structure and sports injuries primarily have a mechanical cause.

Topics: Biomechanical Phenomena; Equipment Design; Humans; Physical Education and Training; Range of Motion, Articular; Shoulder Injuries; Shoulder Joint; Sports Equipment; Tennis; Tennis Elbow

PubMed: 16632567
DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2005.023150

Comparative Study Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors: Rajadurai Viswas, Rejeeshkumar Ramachandran, Payal Korde Anantkumar...

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of supervised exercise program and Cyriax physiotherapy in the treatment of tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis).

DESIGN

Randomized clinical trial.

SETTING

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre.

SUBJECTS

This study was carried out with 20 patients, who had tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis).

INTERVENTION

Group A (n = 10) had received supervised exercise program. Group B (n = 10) was treated with Cyriax physiotherapy. All patients received three treatment sessions per week for four weeks (12 treatment sessions).

OUTCOME MEASURES

Pain was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and functional status was evaluated by completion of the Tennis Elbow Function Scale (TEFS) which were recorded at base line and at the end of fourth week.

RESULTS

Both the supervised exercise program and Cyriax physiotherapy were found to be significantly effective in reduction of pain and in the improvement of functional status. The supervised exercise programme resulted in greater improvement in comparison to those who received Cyriax physiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The results of this clinical trial demonstrate that the supervised exercise program may be the first treatment choice for therapist in managing tennis elbow.

Topics: Adult; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Tennis Elbow; Treatment Outcome

PubMed: 22629225
DOI: 10.1100/2012/939645

Review

Authors: D Stasinopoulos, M I Johnson

Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is one of the most common lesions of the arm with a well defined clinical presentation, which significantly impacts on the community. Many treatment approaches have been proposed to manage this condition. One is Cyriax physiotherapy. The effectiveness and reported effects of this intervention are reviewed.

Topics: Humans; Manipulation, Orthopedic; Massage; Physical Therapy Modalities; Tennis Elbow

PubMed: 15562158
DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2004.013573