Tennis elbow

Abstract

The term 'tennis elbow' usually refers to lateral epicondylitis, but the same symptoms can be caused by pathologic processes in the elbow. In fact, most cases of this common condition are caused by occupational stress rather than racket sports. Patients complain of elbow pain when the wrist is extended against resistance or during repetitive actions with the wrist and elbow extended. The condition is thought to be caused by a lesion at the origin of the common wrist extensor mechanism, at or very near the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Differential diagnosis includes inflammatory, arthritic and nerve entrapment syndromes. Prompt conservative treatment has a high success rate. Patient education, use of a tennis-elbow band and physical therapy play key roles in the management of acute symptoms and in the prevention of recurrence. Surgical intervention is required only when other treatment fails.