• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.105-109
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• 2007

Purpose: The lateral epicondylitis is very common around elbow joint. We investigated the effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment. Materials and Methods: From Oct. 2002 to Feb. 2006, a total of 14 patients who were diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis and treated with arthroscopy were used in this study. The average symptom durations before receiving treatment was 27.3 months (9 to 47 months) and the average follow-up periods was 13.6 months (8 to 22 months). Results: The mean preoperative VAS scores was 8.3 (7 to 10 points) and the mean postoperative scores was 1.6 (0 to 4 points). The lesions of extensor carpi radialis brevis were classified using Baker's classification system. Type 1 lesion was found in 7 cases, type 2 in 4 cases, type 3 in 1 case Patients were able to return to their normal life style by 12.3 days (6 to 27 day). Conclusion: The Clinical outcomes of patients who received arthroscopic treatment were found to be good. Patients experienced lesser pain, and shorter recovery time. Therefore, when conservative treatment is ineffective in treating the lateral epicondylitis, arthroscopic treatment is considered af another option available for patients.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.140-146
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• 2012

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the clinical outcome of arthroscopic release of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon in chronic recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis and tried to determine any prognostic factors. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 24 patients with lateral epicondylitis treated by arthroscopic ECRB release was performed. Outcome measures included a patient self rating and visual analog scale (VAS). Functional evaluation was made with Quick-disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score system to identify preoperative factors that might be associated with the outcomes. Results: Twenty one (88%) elbows received benefit from the procedure. A mean preoperative VAS pain score and the mean Quick-DASH were significantly improved at final follow up. Age, sex, dominant arm and duration of symptom, presence of capsular tear or calcification did not correlate significantly with the clinical outcome. Three of four patients without T2-weighted high signal focus of the ECRB origin on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed higher Quick-DASH score. Conclusion: Arthroscopic release of the ECRB is an effective option for chronic recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis. Lack of high signal focus on preoperative MRI is significantly associated with a poor surgical outcome and a considerable factor for the proper surgical indication.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.143-148
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• 2006

• The Academic Congress of Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society
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• 2006.03a
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• pp.89-94
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• 2006

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.50-58
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• 2007

Purpose: To report our experience with nine cases of pathologic synovial plica on radiohumeral joint which symptom of painful snapping elbow was improved by arthroscopic resection. Materials and Methods: Between 1999 and 2004, 43 cases of elbow arthroscopy were performed by one surgeon. Eight patients with nine cases showed pathologic synovial plica in conjunction with snapping or posterolateral elbow pain. The mean age of eight patients (man: 7, woman: 1) was 29 years (range $16{\sim}56$ years). All patients had a trial of conservative treatment at least six months (range $6{\sim}16$ months). The diagnosis was confirmed before surgery in six cases and at the time of surgery in three cases. Pain, snapping, and subjective results were evaluated at least 12 months in the average(range $12{\sim}24$). Results: All patients showed a hypertropic lateral synovial plica with local synovitis. Seven of them had an associated lesion of chondromalacia on radial head. One of them was associated with radiocapitellar arthritis and had a wrapping over the radial head. Six patients experienced improved posterolateral pain at the end of study (VAS<1). However, the other two patients had occasional pain with activity. One of them persisted with mechanical symptoms, which was treated with additional arthroscopic procedure. Conclusion: Synovial plica in elbow should be considered as an important entity of common elbow disease, especially when pain in the lateral aspect of the elbow with a snapping sensation during motion is featured in patients. The arthroscopic resection seems to be safe and efficient in the short and long term treatment of plica in the elbow joint.