Epidemiological profile of lateral epicondylitis in rehabilitation department

Abstract

Introduction: lateral epicondylitis, better known as tennis elbow, falls within the spectrum of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and it is a major public health problem. The purpose of our study was to determine the epidemiological and clinical profile and treatment modalities for patients with lateral epicondylitis followed at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Methods: we conducted a retrospective study (2012-2017) of patients with lateral epicondylitis referred to the Department of Physical Medicine and Functional Rehabilitation at the Tahar Sfar Mahdia University Hospital over a period of 6 years. Socio-demographic and clinical features as well as treatment modalities were assessed for each patient. Results: fifty patients were enrolled in the study. The average age of patients was 44.82 years, with predominance of the female sex (72%). Half of our patients were active and the majority of them (60%) worked in a traditional office environment. Right upper extremity was most affected (78% of cases). The median duration of symptoms was 14.66 months. Clinical examination showed positive tendon triad in the lateral epicondyle in 96% of cases. Radiological examination was performed in 8 patients, ultrasound in 6 patients. All patients received analgesics, 84% of patients received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, only 8 patients received corticosteroid injections. One patient underwent surgery after therapeutic failure. Ninety-two percent of patients were scheduled for rehabilitation sessions. Total improvement was noted in 42% of patients, 46% reported transient improvement and 12% progressed to chronicity. Conclusion: lateral epicondylitis is a common cause of elbow pain. Its management in physical medicine is based on medical treatment and appropriate functional rehabilitation. However no therapeutic option seems clearly superior to the other.