Evaluation of the Results from Arthroscopic Treatment of the Lateral Epicondylitis

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the results from patients with lateral epicondylitis following surgical treatment using the arthroscopy technique. METHODS Twenty patients underwent surgery using the arthroscopic technique. Their ages ranged from 19 to 54 years (average of 41 years and eight months). Twelve (60%) of them were female and eight (40%) were male. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months and the maximum was 48 months, with an average of 20 months. All the cases were refractory to conservative treatment (rest and physiotherapy), with previous clinical treatment times ranging in duration from six to 136 months. To evaluate the results, we used the criteria of the American Medical Association (AMA), as modified by Bruce. RESULTS We obtained 13 excellent results (65%) and seven moderate results (13%), with just one complication (reflex sympathetic dystrophy). This was the only patient who reported dissatisfaction. CONCLUSION Surgical treatment of the lateral epicondylitis of the elbow using arthroscopy was a good option for 65% of the cases.