Chronic Intractable Calcific Lateral Epicondylopathy Treated with Ultrasound-Guided Barbotage Combined with Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Therapy

ABSTRACT

Lateral epicondylopathy represents pain in the lateral (radial aspect) of the elbow caused by degeneration in the common extensor tendon. Calcium deposit frequently developes in lateral epicondylopathy, with the prevalence up to 46%. There are considerable debates on its treatment protocols for lateral epicondylopathy so far, likewise, the effective treatment method for calcific lateral epicondylopathy has not been established. We report here a case of chronic intractable calcific lateral epicondylopathy treated with ultrasound-guided barbotage and focused type extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). To our knowledge, this is the first report of calcific lateral epicondylopathy treated by ultrasound-guided barbotage combined with ESWT.