Surgical treatment of resistant cases of tennis elbow by release of extensor carpi radialis brevis

ABSTRACT

Fifty three patients with fifty-three elbows suffering from recurrent attacks of tennis elbow due to lateral humeral epicondylitis or tendinitis of the common extensor tendon had been treated surgically by release of the extensor carpi radialis brevis [ECRB] tendon only and excision of the degenerated tissue underneath. Their mean age was thirty-three years [18-26]. The duration of symptoms preoperatively ranged from 13-32 months. The follow up period extended over three years. At operation, there was significant degeneration, fibrosis and sometimes calcification of the ECRB tendon. There was highly significant improvement both objectively and subjectively with no incidence of recurrence