Publication: Percutaneous extensor tenotomy for chronic tennis elbow using an 18G needle
Date
2007
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Tennis elbow is a common orthopaedic problem presenting in office orthopaedics, but its exact
patho-aetiology has not been identified to date. It is treated operatively when conservative measures including
multiple local steroid injections are not helpful to the patients.
Material and method: This was a retrospective study to assess the outcome of tennis elbow patients on whom
percutaneous release of the common extensor origin was performed using an 18 gauge hypodermic needle. 17
patients with 21 elbows were included in the study. Data was collected by going through the patients’ medical
records, and follow –up by questionnaire mailed to the patient’s home, to assess the outcome and patient satisfaction
with the procedure.
Results: 14 of the 21 (66.7%) elbows became completely pain free. The time taken to achieve a completely pain
free elbow ranged from 1 day to 3 months (average 60.3 days). Those that did not achieve a pain free elbow had a
residual pain of 1.5 to 8.5 on the VAS (average 2.64). 9 elbows (42.9%) had an excellent outcome, 7(33.3%) had
good, 4(19%) had satisfactory and 1(4.8%) had poor outcomes.
Conclusion: Tennis elbow probably results from degenerative tear of common extensor origin and a percutaneous
tenotomy using an 18 gauge hypodermic needle is a simple, safe, patient friendly, effective and easily reproducible
method of treating it in those who require surgery and can be done as an office procedure.
Key words: Tennis elbow, percutaneous tenotomy, 18g hypodermic needle
Description
S Lakhey
Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu
M Mansfield
Cairns Private Hospital, Cairns, Queensland,
Australia.
RL Pradhan
Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu
KP Rijal
Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu
BP,Pandey
Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu
RR, Manandhar
Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu