LONG-TERM RESULTS OF SURGICAL-TREATMENT O F EPICONDYLITIS - A SERIES OF 26 CASES

Results obtained after surgical deinsertion of the second radial and a rthrotomy of the humeral-radial joint in 26 cases of epicondylitis wer e evaluated after a mean follow-up of 5 years range (3-9 years). The s urgical technique, operative findings, early and long-term results wer e described. Long-term results were excellent or good in 85% of the ca ses and remained unchanged over time with no morbidity. The results of this series were similar to those obtained in other published series reporting several surgical techniques based on different pathophysiolo gical theories. It is concluded that surgery can be an effective treat ment for epicondylitis and can be proposed early when medical treatmen t does not give lasting improvement. The surgical technique should be as simple as possible.