Surgical treatment of tennis elbow

Abstract

Nine patients with eleven cases of tennis elbow, recalcitrant to conservative therapy, underwent surgical reconstruction as described by Gardner in 1970. The average duration of symptoms preoperatively was 49 weeks. There were seven females and two males. Ages ranged from 30 to 54 years. Follow-up ranged from 1.3 to 4.25 years. Patients were evaluated regarding pain, activity, grip strength and satisfaction with the surgical result. Preoperatively, pain was described as moderate in eight, and severe in three. All patients described limitation of activity and decreased grip strength. Postoperatively, mild pain occurred in three, and none in eight. All patients reported no limitation of activity, normal grip strengths, and were satisfied with their surgical result. Lack of full elbow extension initially present in all cases resolved in three to twelve months. Surgical reconstruction of the elbow as described by Gardner is an effective means of treating unresponsive tennis elbow.