Recalcitrant Lateral Epicondylitis: Open and Arthroscopic Release

Purpose: To compare clinical outcomes when using open or arthroscopic release for recalcitrantlateral epicondylitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 34 cases were followed up for an average of 16 months. Open release was performed in 21, and arthroscopic release in 13. In the open release group, arthroscopic examination was performed first in 7. Intraarticular and extraarticular lesions of the extensor tendon were compared. Pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale, and function was evaluated using the assessment of Nirschl and Pettrone. Results: In arthroscopic findings, 6 out of 20 cases were nearly normal, 6 showed fraying, 4 a linear tear, and 4 avulsion. Some (3 of 5) cases with nearly normal arthroscopic findings had mucinoid degeneration detected during the open procedure. Overall, 86% of open release and 85% of arthroscopic release showed satisfactory results. Conclusion: The extraarticular and intraarticular surfaces of the extensor origin had diverse appearances, and both procedures showed satisfactory results. Therefore, arthroscopic release is a useful treatment option for recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis.