Abstract

Epicondylitis, or insertional tendinopathy of elbow extensors, commonly called tennis elbow, is a painful condition of the elbow related to overuse of the hand or forearm. It is a common, disabling injury that particularly affects workers between the ages of 45 and 54. It is a therapeutic challenge for general practitioners, a chronic, often demoralizing condition for patients and a heavy social and economic burden.

Scientific evidence shows that corticosteroid injections are not effective, but at present there is no standard treatment algorithm. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous fenestration is a very low-risk invasive technique carried out under local anesthetic that could prove to be a valid, advantageous alternative to open surgery.

The purpose of this pilot study is to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided fenestration with that of open surgery as a way of reducing pain and improving functional ability in workers suffering from tennis elbow that has not responded to medical treatment after six months.

The results of this study will help advance knowledge and enable development of a valid alternative treatment for tennis elbow.