Current Concepts for Evaluation and Management Strategies for Lateral Epicondylitis of the Elbow

Painful lateral elbow epicondylitis or tennis elbow can be a cause of significant disability and patient anxiety. The diagnosis is usually clinical and infrequently requires advanced imaging. While lateral epicondylitis is a self-limiting disease with most reporting complete resolution of symptoms by one year, patients frequently present to the physician in hopes that the physician can expedite healing. Common conservative modalities including physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and orthotics and corticosteroid injections are frequently implemented, although controversy exists about the true utility of these treatment strategies. Newer biologic therapies including autologous whole blood injections, platelet rich plasma injections, and stem cell therapy are currently being explored for improving patient symptoms. Operative intervention is typically reserved for the recalcitrant cases with frequent success and includes percutaneous, open, and arthroscopic procedures. Review Article