Does the use of the 70° arthroscope improve the outcomes of arthroscopic débridement for chronic recalcitrant tennis elbow?

Background The use of a 70° arthroscope has been reported to provide better visualization of the extensor carpi radialis brevis origin at the lateral epicondyle. We aimed to compare the surgical outcomes of arthroscopic debridement using an additional 70° arthroscope with those using a 30° arthroscope alone in the treatment of chronic recalcitrant tennis elbow. Methods A total of 68 consecutive patients who received arthroscopic debridement for chronic recalcitrant tennis elbow were retrospectively reviewed. A 30° scope was used in 41 patients (mean age, 47 years; range, 26-61 years), whereas an additional 70° scope was used in 27 patients (mean age, 50 years; range, 34-61 years). Outcomes were assessed using a visual analog scale for pain and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire at the preoperative visit and at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 or more months after surgery. Results Both groups showed significant and progressive improvements in visual analog scale pain scores and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores at 3 months, 6 months, and final follow-up ( P P > .05). In addition, the proportions of patients with excellent outcomes and those with clinically meaningful improvements were comparable between the groups ( P = .397 and P = .558, respectively). Conclusion The use of an additional 70° arthroscope did not provide a significant improvement in the outcomes of arthroscopic debridement for chronic recalcitrant tennis elbow.