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Codo de tenista

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) — causes, symptoms, and conservative treatment options for pain relief.

Updated Sep 2026
Una ilustración dibujada a mano de una persona sin rostro ejecutando un golpe de revés en el tenis.
Codo de tenista: irritación en el punto donde los tendones del antebrazo se insertan en la parte externa del codo. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

Esta página se tradujo automáticamente y todavía no la ha revisado un médico. La versión en inglés es la versión oficial.

Qué está sintiendo

El codo de tenista consiste en dolor en la parte externa del codo, en el punto óseo donde se insertan los músculos del antebrazo. Se produce cuando el tendón de esa zona se ha desgastado e irritado. Es más frecuente entre los 35 y 65 años, y afecta a alrededor del 3 % de la población.

El dolor empeora al agarrar, levantar o girar objetos. Girar un picaporte, sostener una taza de café, verter líquido de una tetera o levantar una bolsa de la compra pueden desencadenarlo. Al presionar sobre la parte externa del codo, normalmente se siente sensibilidad. Extender la muñeca o los dedos contra resistencia, como al levantar algo con la palma hacia abajo, también suele provocar dolor.

El dolor suele intensificarse tras realizar actividad física, y puede manifestarse como molestia nocturna o al despertar por la mañana. Con el paso de las semanas, puede interferir con la vida cotidiana. Algunas personas notan que el dolor limita sus actividades laborales y sociales. Aproximadamente el 20 % de quienes padecen codo de tenista experimentan un dolor lo suficientemente intenso como para restringir su trabajo y actividades diarias.

La buena noticia es que el codo de tenista suele mejorar por sí solo. Los síntomas suelen disminuir gradualmente durante tres o cuatro meses, y la mayoría de los casos se resuelven en 6 meses, independientemente del tratamiento aplicado. Alrededor del 90 % de las personas con codo de tenista sin tratamiento ven cómo sus síntomas desaparecen en el transcurso de un año. Incluso si el dolor persiste desde hace tiempo, las probabilidades de recuperación durante el próximo año permanecen prácticamente iguales.

Dado que normalmente mejora por sí solo, la mayoría de las personas no necesitan cirugía. Esta se reserva únicamente para ese pequeño porcentaje de pacientes cuyo dolor no mejora con otros tratamientos.

¿Qué está ocurriendo realmente?

El punto doloroso corresponde a un tendón llamado extensor carpi radialis brevis. Este tendón fija los músculos de la muñeca y los dedos al hueso situado en la parte externa del codo. Puede imaginarse como una cuerda que sujeta una vela al mástil; cada agarre, levantamiento o torsión ejerce tensión sobre esa “cuerda”.

Con el estrés repetido, la cuerda comienza a desgastarse. El proceso de reparación natural del cuerpo no logra seguir el ritmo, por lo que las fibras tendinosas se vuelven desorganizadas en lugar de mantenerse fuertes y alineadas. No se trata de una hinchazón ni de un brote inflamatorio, aunque el término “epicondilitis” pueda sugerirlo. Es un problema de desgaste; más similar a una cuerda deshilachada que a una cuerda quemada; por eso el dolor reaparece cada vez que se utiliza la mano.

El desgaste ocurre precisamente en el punto donde el tendón se une al hueso; la carga en esa zona aumenta cuando el codo está extendido y la palma de la mano orientada hacia abajo. Esto coincide con los movimientos que le causan dolor: agarrar objetos, levantar cosas con la palma hacia abajo o girar una manija. Además, la capacidad del codo para percibir su propia posición en el espacio puede volverse menos precisa, y el pequeño músculo situado en la parte posterior del codo no se activa como debería al realizar un agarre. Por ello, el problema no se limita únicamente al tendón; también es importante cuidar el cuello, el hombro y todo el brazo, no solo el codo.

Si el dolor persiste durante mucho tiempo y posteriormente se produce otra lesión en el codo, el ligamento cercano que estabiliza la articulación también puede resultar sobrecargado. Esto puede hacer que el codo se sienta inestable además de doloroso; es una de las razones por las que algunos casos no mejoran con tratamientos sencillos.

Qué podemos hacer al respecto

El Dr. Kieran Hirpara, cirujano de extremidades superiores en el Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, comienza con las opciones menos invasivas que se adapten a su condición. Por lo general, los pacientes son derivados a nuestra clínica por su médico de cabecera; si un fisioterapeuta le ha sugerido que nos consulte, igualmente necesitará una derivación de su médico de cabecera para poder acceder al reembolso de Medicare. En su primera visita, tomamos su historia clínica, examinamos su codo y, si es necesario, solicitamos estudios de imagen.

En la mayoría de los casos, el codo de tenista mejora sin necesidad de cirugía, por lo que normalmente iniciamos con tratamientos no quirúrgicos. Puede aliviar la carga sobre el tendón modificando la forma en que agarra, levanta y gira objetos tanto en el trabajo como en casa. La fisioterapia tiene como objetivo reducir el dolor y recuperar la fuerza en su muñeca y antebrazo. Le recomendamos seguir este tratamiento durante varios meses. Las probabilidades de recuperación permanecen prácticamente iguales durante el primer año, incluso si el dolor ya lleva tiempo presente.

Los analgésicos y antiinflamatorios pueden aliviar ligeramente el dolor, aunque su efecto es limitado y pueden provocar efectos secundarios. Las inyecciones son otra opción que podríamos considerar. La cortisona puede reducir el dolor a corto plazo; el ácido hialurónico es un líquido lubricante que se inyecta alrededor del tendón. El plasma rico en plaquetas implica extraer una muestra de su propia sangre, procesarla para concentrar las células de reparación y luego inyectarla en el tendón. Analizaremos en detalle cada uno de estos tratamientos y la duración de sus efectos antes de decidir conjuntamente cuál sería el más adecuado para usted.

La cirugía se plantea únicamente cuando estos tratamientos no han producido mejoría suficiente y el dolor sigue limitando sus actividades laborales o cotidianas. La intervención consiste en extirpar la parte desgastada y deteriorada del tendón en su punto de inserción al hueso, en la parte externa del codo. Consideramos que esta decisión debe ser compartida, tomada en conjunto una vez que usted comprenda en qué consiste la operación y qué beneficios y limitaciones conlleva.

Qué esperar

El pronóstico para el codo de tenista suele ser favorable; ya ha visto las cifras: la mayoría de los codos mejoran en el transcurso de un año, independientemente del tratamiento empleado. El dolor tiende a disminuir gradualmente, en lugar de desaparecer de la noche a la mañana. Con el paso de semanas y meses, notará que los episodios de dolor son más breves e intensidad menor, y que actividades cotidianas como sostener una tetera o girar un pomo resultan más fáciles. El hecho de haber padecido el dolor durante mucho tiempo no empeora sus posibilidades de recuperación.

Si su codo no mejora con los tratamientos más sencillos, la cirugía sigue siendo una opción razonable. Algunos procedimientos quirúrgicos para casos crónicos de codo de tenista presentan tasas de éxito del 75 % al 80 %.

Es importante saber que la cirugía no garantiza la curación. Un pequeño porcentaje de pacientes, alrededor del 1,5 %, necesitará una segunda intervención posteriormente. Recibir tres o más inyecciones antes de la cirugía aumenta esa probabilidad. Como en cualquier operación, existen riesgos generales como infecciones o rigidez; además, ciertos procedimientos pueden dejar el codo ligeramente más rígido que antes.

En resumen: lo más probable es que su codo mejore por sí solo o mediante fisioterapia y cambios adecuados en el uso del brazo. Si eso no ocurre, la cirugía ayuda a la mayoría de las personas que llegan a ese punto, aunque no a todas.

Cuándo consultar a un especialista

La mayoría de los casos de codo de tenista se resuelven por sí solos; por eso, el tiempo suele ser el principal tratamiento. Acuda a su médico de cabecera si el dolor en la parte externa del codo persiste más de 6 semanas, o si le impide trabajar o dormir. Solicite una evaluación especializada si los tratamientos sencillos y la fisioterapia durante varios meses no han surtido efecto, o si además de doler, el codo le resulta inestable; en ocasiones, un ligamento distendido puede ser la causa del problema. Informe a su médico de cabecera cuántas inyecciones ha recibido, ya que tres o más inyecciones de corticoides antes de cualquier intervención quirúrgica aumentan la probabilidad de necesitar otra cirugía posterior. Si observa calor, enrojecimiento o fiebre junto con el dolor, consulte a su médico de inmediato en lugar de esperar a que mejore.

En mayor profundidad

Esta sección profundiza más de lo necesario para que usted tome sus propias decisiones de tratamiento. Vale la pena leer más sobre el codo de tenista, ya que se trata de una de esas afecciones en las que el tratamiento que parece más eficaz durante el primer mes es, en realidad, el que peor resultado arroja al cabo de un año.

La afección suele curarse por sí sola, aunque lentamente

Si se deja sin intervención, el codo de tenista mejora con el tiempo. En el estudio que se describe a continuación, el grupo al que se le indicó simplemente esperar y observar, sin inyecciones ni fisioterapia, fue reevaluado a las 52 semanas; 56 de 62 (90%) de los pacientes afirmaron haber mejorado mucho o haberse recuperado por completo [1].

Esa cifra constituye el punto de referencia con el que se debe comparar cualquier tratamiento. Una intervención solo merece la pena si logra mejores resultados que la recuperación espontánea, y lo cierto es que, por lo general, la recuperación ocurre por sí sola.

La paradoja de los corticoides

Un ensayo aleatorizado pionero comparó la inyección de corticoides, la fisioterapia y la simple espera, siguiendo a los pacientes durante un año completo [1].

A las seis semanas, la inyección arrojó resultados excelentes: 51 de 65 (78%) de los pacientes del grupo de inyección mostraron éxito, frente a 16 de 60 (27%) de quienes simplemente esperaron; el número necesario a tratar fue de 2 [1].

Posteriormente, la situación se invirtió. De esos pacientes que inicialmente respondieron bien, 47 de 65 (72%) experimentaron posteriormente una recaída. Al cabo de 52 semanas, el grupo de inyección presentó resultados significativamente peores que el grupo de fisioterapia en todos los parámetros evaluados; además, fue peor que quienes no recibieron ningún tratamiento en dos de las tres medidas principales [1].

La explicación ofrecida por los propios autores merece ser citada: la inyección alivia el dolor de forma tan rápida que los pacientes vuelven a someter al tendón a cargas, aun cuando este aún no se ha recuperado del todo. La conclusión del ensayo fue que los corticoides “deben emplearse con precaución” en el codo de tenista; una afirmación sorprendente respecto a un tratamiento que la mayoría de pacientes esperan recibir.

Por ello, la aplicación de una inyección en estos casos debe ser una decisión meditada, orientada a mejorar la función a corto plazo, y no una opción automática; además, no sustituye en modo alguno al programa de carga progresiva.

Entonces, ¿qué merece la pena hacer?

La fisioterapia superó a la simple espera a las seis semanas en todos los aspectos; a las 52 semanas, ambos grupos resultaron indistinguibles, ya que casi todos los pacientes de ambos grupos se habían recuperado [1]. Por tanto, su utilidad radica en ayudar a superar más rápidamente los meses dolorosos, no en cambiar el desenlace final. Cabe destacar que el grupo que recibió fisioterapia también requirió menos tratamientos adicionales durante el proceso [1]. Teniendo esto en cuenta, el plan razonable consiste en controlar la carga de trabajo y seguir un programa progresivo para los tendones, asumiendo que el tiempo de recuperación se mide en meses.

La cirugía se reserva para esa minoría de pacientes que siguen discapacitados tras un intento genuino y prolongado de tratamiento no quirúrgico. El motivo por el cual ese umbral es tan elevado es precisamente la evolución natural de la enfermedad mencionada: si se opera prematuramente, se está compitiendo contra una afección que, en nueve de cada diez casos, habría resuelto por sí sola.

Inyección de células tendinosas cultivadas

Se le podría ofrecer, o podría leer al respecto, el implante de tenocitos autólogos (ATI; comercializado en Australia como OrthoATI), que consiste en una inyección de células tendinosas suyas cultivadas en el laboratorio. Este procedimiento es seguro y biológicamente razonable; los resultados obtenidos en casos de codo de tenista refractario al tratamiento se han mantenido durante más de cuatro años. No obstante, en toda la literatura médica mundial solo existen cinco estudios que incluyen un total de 50 pacientes, y en ninguno de ellos hubo grupo de comparación. Si se compara esto con la evolución natural de la enfermedad y con los resultados obtenidos mediante cirugía placebo, resulta evidente la necesidad de ser cautelosos. En la página sobre implante de tenocitos autólogos se detalla todo lo que se sabe y lo que no se sabe al respecto, junto con las referencias correspondientes.

Referencias

[1] Bisset L, Beller E, Jull G, Brooks P, Darnell R, Vicenzino B. Movilización con movimiento y ejercicios, inyección de corticoides o esperar para ver qué sucede en el codo de tenista: ensayo aleatorizado. BMJ. 2006;333(7575):939. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.38961.584653.ae


Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

  • The term 'Tennis Elbow' is considered inaccurate by some authors [1].
  • The diagnosis of tennis elbow is often made too quickly [1].
  • Rapid diagnosis may contribute to high rates of recalcitrant complaints due to insufficient consideration of differential diagnoses [1].
  • Approximately 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieve symptom resolution at 1 year based on placebo or no-treatment control arms of randomized trials [3].
  • Pooled data from randomized controlled trials indicate a lack of intermediate- to long-term clinical benefit after nonsurgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis compared with observation only or placebo [4].
  • No single universally accepted protocol has emerged for the treatment of epicondylitis despite numerous available options [7].
  • Most patients with lateral epicondylitis resolve spontaneously or with standard conservative management [12].
  • Refractory cases of lateral epicondylitis may benefit from interventional therapies or surgical approaches [12].
  • Current research evidence suggests that surgery for tennis elbow is no more effective than nonsurgical treatment, based on evidence with significant methodological limitations [31].
  • There was insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of surgery for lateral elbow pain due to a small number of studies, large heterogeneity in interventions, small sample sizes, and poor reporting of outcomes [11].
  • Denervation of the elbow for management of tennis elbow is a simple safe procedure [16].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

Anatomy

  • The pathology of lateral epicondylitis is primarily localized to the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) [51].
  • The ECRB and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) have tendinous origins and lie deep to the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL), which has a muscular origin [51].
  • The common extensors lie superficial to the lateral collateral ligament complex proximally and to the supinator distally [51].
  • The ECRB tendon lies superficial to the joint capsule, making it accessible arthroscopically [51].
  • The posterior interosseous nerve enters the supinator distal to the radial head [51].
  • Compression of the posterior interosseous nerve at the radial tunnel can coexist with lateral epicondylitis [51].
  • The pathologic process mainly involves the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis but can involve the tendons of the extensor carpi radialis longus and the extensor digitorum communis [52].
  • The anatomic basis of the injury to the extensor carpi radialis brevis origin involves hypovascular zones, eccentric tendon stresses, and a microscopic degenerative response [25].

Pathophysiology

  • Lateral epicondylitis is initiated as a microtear, most often within the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis [52].
  • The current consensus is that lateral epicondylitis is a degenerative process rather than an inflammatory one [25].
  • Histologic studies of lateral epicondylitis show angiofibroblastic hyperplasia [51, 52].
  • Histologic findings include neovascularization, infiltration by mucopolysaccharide, a disordered collagen scaffold, bone formation, and angiofibroblastic proliferation [51].
  • Inflammation is not usually seen in lateral epicondylitis but is likely present in the early stages [51].
  • The lesion occurs in a vascular watershed area that is relatively avascular, limiting healing potential [51].
  • Eccentric contractions of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle during backhand tennis swings are the likely cause of repetitive microtrauma that causes tears in the tendon and lateral epicondylitis [35].
  • The presence of hypoechogenicity and bone changes on ultrasound indicates the presence of a stressed common extensor origin-lateral epicondyle complex in elbows with lateral epicondylalgia [5].
  • Repetitive exposure to bending and straightening the elbow is a significant risk factor for lateral epicondylitis [84].
  • There is a strong association between combined physical exertion and elbow movements and lateral epicondylitis [8].
  • Biomechanical exposure involving the wrist and/or elbow at work is associated with the incidence of lateral epicondylitis [57].

Classification

  • The term "Tennis Elbow" is considered inaccurate, and the diagnosis is often made too quickly, which may explain high rates of recalcitrant complaints due to insufficient consideration of differential diagnoses [1].
  • A considerable terminological heterogeneity exists in the description of lateral elbow pain, associated with a lack of clear and recognized diagnostic criteria [30].
  • Approximately 46.5% of patients presenting with lateral-sided elbow pain are diagnosed with a condition other than lateral epicondylitis [14].
  • The findings of an epidemiologic study are consistent with the hypothesis that tennis elbow is a degenerative disease, the onset of which is hastened by overuse of the arm and elbow [13].
  • Pathologic tissue studies have noted a failed reparative process rather than active inflammation in lateral epicondylitis [25].
  • The presence of hypoechogenicity and bone changes on musculoskeletal ultrasound indicates the presence of a stressed common extensor origin-lateral epicondyle complex in elbows with lateral epicondylalgia [5].
  • Accurate diagnosis of medial epicondylitis requires distinguishing it from other elbow conditions, and treatment is guided by the specific pathologic stage of the tendon [10].
  • The arthroscopic identification of three types of Baker lesions helps the surgeon confirm the presence of pathology commonly seen intra-articularly in patients with lateral epicondylitis [68].
  • Failed surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis is multifactorial, and distinguishing the cause is critical for appropriate management [15].

Clinical Presentation

  • The term 'Tennis Elbow' is considered inaccurate, and the diagnosis is often made too quickly, potentially explaining high rates of recalcitrant complaints due to insufficient consideration of differential diagnoses [1].
  • Lateral epicondylitis is a common, generally self-limiting tendinosis affecting patients aged 35 to 55 years [26].
  • The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that tennis elbow is a degenerative disease, the onset of which is hastened by overuse of the arm and elbow [13].
  • Almost half of the patients (46.5%) presenting with lateral sided elbow pain were diagnosed with a condition other than lateral epicondylitis [14].
  • A considerable terminological heterogeneity exists in the description of lateral elbow pain, associated with the lack of clear and recognised diagnostic criteria [30].
  • The diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis based on Japanese Orthopaedic Association guidelines requires pain in the elbow joint within 2 weeks, pain in the lateral epicondyle region on resisted extension of the wrist with the elbow extended, and tenderness in the lateral epicondyle [46].
  • Tenderness for the diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis is considered positive if observed in the lateral epicondyle or adjacent tissue up to 4 cm distal to the epicondyle and elicited by any degree of palpation [46].
  • Physical examination of the elbow should focus on functional anatomy and includes inspection, palpation, range of motion, strength, stability, and special tests [54].
  • The history is the most valuable tool to guide the clinical examination, with location, quality, context, duration, and severity of elbow pain being important for understanding pathology [54].
  • Determining the symptom trajectory (whether pain is getting better, worse, or remaining constant) is helpful when considering intervention [54].
  • Characteristic elements of the history for lateral elbow tendinopathy include pain lifting things from a bag with a pronated hand, turning doorknobs, taking milk from the fridge, shaking hands, taking a laptop out of a bag, and bumping the lateral elbow [54].
  • Physical examination maneuvers to elicit lateral elbow tendinopathy include direct palpation of the ECRB origin, the tennis elbow shear test, pain with resisted wrist or long finger extension, and the laptop test [54].
  • Imaging studies to evaluate lateral elbow tendinopathy include MRI if the lateral ulnar collateral ligament is suspected as part of the pathology and ultrasonography [54].

Investigations

Clinical Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis

  • The physical exam is directed by history and the location of the patient's pain in the anterior, posterior, medial, or lateral aspect of the elbow [49].

Imaging: Ultrasound

  • Ultrasonographic imaging of the elbow includes imaging techniques and the normal appearance of anatomic structures [44].

Imaging: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

  • The routine use of MRI for the diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis is low, although its use is associated with downstream effects [69].
  • Increased MRI signal in the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) origin is common in both symptomatic and asymptomatic elbows [70].
  • MRI can be used to evaluate ligaments and tendons of the elbow, but it is rarely indicated [45].
  • The reliability and validity of magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of chronic lateral epicondylitis has been evaluated [47].
  • Magnetic resonance evaluation of the elbow includes the review of ligament complexes [44].
  • A review of the MR appearance of osseous and soft-tissue anatomy of the elbow, as well as commonly encountered pathology including overuse injury, has been performed [44].

Imaging: Radiographs and CT

  • Plain radiographs remain the hallmark and the best screening test for the evaluation of the elbow [49].
  • Standard AP, lateral, and oblique radiographs are obtained for elbow evaluation, with serial radiography used as follow-up when heterotopic ossification is present [45].
  • CT is helpful when assessing for malunion architecture and the location and pattern of osteophytes and/or loose bodies [45].
  • Three-dimensional CT is used to check for heterotopic ossification [45].
  • CT is not necessary when elbow stiffness is entirely soft-tissue related [45].

Neurological Assessment

  • Electromyography/nerve conduction velocity studies should be performed if any question about neurologic dysfunction exists [45].
  • An assessment for ulnar nerve subluxation should be performed, as subluxation of the nerve is a relative contraindication for an arthroscopic procedure secondary to possible iatrogenic nerve injury [45].

Treatment

Non-Operative Management

  • Approximately 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieve symptom resolution at 1 year [3].
  • Lateral epicondylitis is usually self-limited, resolving over a 12- to 18-month period without treatment [33].
  • The probable best recommendation for treatment is oral analgesics for symptom relief, activity modification, and a plan of “waiting things out” for up to 18 months [42].
  • Corticosteroid injection has little, if any, benefit over placebo and usually does not change the natural history of the disease [42].
  • Recent data suggest that poorer results are seen in the intermediate and long term following corticosteroid injections relative to placebo [42].
  • Patients who undergo corticosteroid injection may actually be worse at the end of a year [42].
  • The significant short-term benefits of corticosteroid injection are paradoxically reversed after six weeks, with high recurrence rates [22].
  • Peri-articular hyaluronic acid treatment for tennis elbow was significantly better than control in improving pain at rest and after maximal grip testing [61].
  • Nonsurgical treatment is the mainstay of management for lateral epicondylitis, involving options such as rest, physical therapy, and injections [62].
  • Nonoperative treatment for epicondylitis has a success rate of up to 90% [66].
  • A high-repetition, low-resistance home exercise program may be useful for lateral epicondylitis [42].
  • There is wide variability of treatments offered when physiotherapy fails patients with tennis elbow [28].
  • Further investigations are needed on tendinopathies in other areas of the upper limb, including epicondylar tendinopathy [18].

Operative Management

  • There was insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of surgery for lateral elbow pain due to small number of studies, heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and poor reporting [11].
  • Greater than 90% of people with lateral epicondylitis are successfully treated nonoperatively [21].
  • Most surgical patients for lateral epicondylitis are in their fifth decade of life, have had symptoms for an average of 19 months, and have had failure of nonoperative treatment including an average of 3.1 corticosteroid injections [21].
  • The majority of patients undergoing surgery for lateral epicondylitis have surgery on their dominant elbow, with an average incidence of dominant arm involvement of 74% [21].
  • Outcomes between open and arthroscopic surgical procedures for lateral epicondylitis are comparable [42].
  • Arthroscopic treatment of lateral epicondylitis is accompanied by an increased risk of neurovascular injury and instability compared with open release of the elbow [42].
  • Good to excellent results have been achieved in 83% to 96% of patients using variations in technique for medial epicondylitis [42].
  • Poorer outcomes are reported in patients with ulnar nerve symptoms undergoing medial epicondylitis surgery [42].
  • Surgical intervention for refractory medial epicondylitis often has a high success rate with patients generally demonstrating an improvement in patient-reported outcomes and an encouraging number returning to work with limited complications [17].
  • The median time of minimum conservative management before surgery for lateral epicondylitis was six months [64].
  • Surgical intervention is reserved for patients with continued symptoms after 6 months or more of treatment [43].
  • There is no good algorithm for the type of surgical treatment that is most effective for lateral epicondylitis [21].
  • No single universally accepted protocol has emerged for the treatment of epicondylitis [7].

Complications

  • Corticosteroid injections have a short-term beneficial effect on lateral epicondylitis, but a negative effect in the intermediate term [32].
  • The significant short-term benefits of corticosteroid injection are reversed after six weeks, with high recurrence rates [22].
  • Heterotopic ossification has been reported as a complication following elbow arthroscopy for lateral epicondylitis [39].
  • Three or more preoperative injections is the most significant risk factor for revision surgery after operative treatment of lateral epicondylitis [71].
  • Short-term complication rates appear comparable between open and arthroscopic treatment of lateral epicondylitis [73].

Recovery

  • Lateral epicondylitis often resolves spontaneously, warranting considerable circumspection before embarking on treatment [19].
  • The prognosis for medial epicondylitis in occupational settings was good with a 3-year recovery rate at 81% [20].
  • Poor prognosis at 1 year of follow-up for lateral epicondylitis was related to manual work and high baseline pain [77].
  • No relation was found between the type of medical treatment given or chosen and prognosis for lateral epicondylitis at 1 year [77].
  • The annual incidence of lateral epicondylitis per 10,000 patients and the proportion of cases treated surgically remained constant from 2007 to 2014 [38].

Key Evidence

  • [Letter] The authors agree that the term 'Tennis Elbow' is inaccurate and that the diagnosis is often made too quickly, potentially explaining high rates of recalcitrant complaints due to insufficient consideration of differential diagnoses. [1] (10.1177/1758573218816086)
  • [L1] Based on the placebo or no-treatment control arms of randomized trials, about 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieve symptom resolution at 1 year. [3] (10.1097/corr.0000000000002058)
  • [L1] Pooled data from RCTs indicate a lack of intermediate- to long-term clinical benefit after nonsurgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis compared with observation only or placebo. [4] (10.1007/s11999-014-4022-y)
  • [L4] The presence of hypoechogenicity and bone changes indicates presence of a stressed common extensor origin-lateral epicondyle complex in elbows with lateral epicondylalgia. [5] (10.1186/1471-2342-14-10)
  • [L5] This article is a review of recently published information on elbow tendinopathy and tendon ruptures intended to assist clinicians in diagnosis and management, noting that while numerous treatment options exist for epicondylitis, no single universally accepted protocol has emerged. [7] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.01.022)
  • [L4] This study emphasizes the strength of the associations between combined physical exertion and elbow movements and lateral epicondylitis. [8] (10.1002/ajim.22140)
  • [L5] Accurate diagnosis requires distinguishing it from other elbow conditions, and treatment is guided by the specific pathologic stage of the tendon. [10] (10.1016/j.csm.2004.04.011)
  • [L1] Due to a small number of studies, large heterogeneity in interventions across trials, small sample sizes and poor reporting of outcomes, there was insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of surgery for lateral elbow pain. [11] (10.1002/14651858.cd003525.pub2)
  • [L4] Most patients with lateral epicondylitis resolve spontaneously or with standard conservative management, but refractory cases may benefit from interventional therapies or surgical approaches. [12] (10.5397/cise.2019.22.4.227)
  • [L4] The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that tennis elbow is a degenerative disease, the onset of which is hastened by overuse of the arm and elbow. [13] (10.1177/036354657900700405)
  • [L3] Almost half of the patients (46.5%) were diagnosed with a diagnosis other than lateral epicondylitis. [14] (10.1016/j.jseint.2024.08.047)
  • [L5] Failed surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis is multifactorial, and distinguishing the cause is critical for appropriate management. [15] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2023.07.006)
  • [L2] Denervation of the elbow for management of tennis elbow is a simple safe procedure. [16] (10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-24-00352)
  • [L4] Surgical intervention for refractory medial epicondylitis often has a high success rate with patients generally demonstrating an improvement in patient-reported outcomes and an encouraging number returning to work with limited complications. [17] (10.1177/03635465221095565)
  • [L2] Further investigations are needed, not only focused on shoulder impingement or epicondylar tendinopathy, but on tendinopathies in other areas of the upper limb. [18] (10.1016/j.jsams.2015.06.007)
  • [L4] Overall, the available data suggest that lateral epicondylitis often resolves spontaneously, warranting considerable circumspection before embarking on treatment. [19] (10.1016/j.otsr.2019.09.004)
  • [L2] The prognosis for medial epicondylitis in this population was good with a 3-year recovery rate at 81%. [20] (10.1097/01.jom.0000085888.37273.d9)
  • [L4] [21] (10.1097/blo.0b013e3181483dc4)
  • [L1] The significant short term benefits of corticosteroid injection are paradoxically reversed after six weeks, with high recurrence rates, implying that this treatment should be used with caution in the management of tennis elbow. [22] (10.1136/bmj.38961.584653.ae)
  • [L4] [25] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.07.019)
  • [L5] Lateral epicondylitis is a common, generally self-limiting tendinosis affecting patients aged 35 to 55 years. [26] (10.1302/0301-620x.95b9.29285)
  • [L4] There is wide variability of treatments offered when physiotherapy fails patients with tennis elbow. [28] (10.1177/1758573217738199)
  • [L1] In this SR, a considerable terminological heterogeneity emerged in the description of LEP, associated with the lack of clear and recognised diagnostic criteria in evaluating and treating patients with lateral elbow pain. [30] (10.3390/healthcare10061095)
  • [L1] Current research evidence suggests that surgery for tennis elbow is no more effective than nonsurgical treatment based on evidence with significant methodological limitations. [31] (10.1177/1758573217745041)
  • [L1] Corticosteroid injections have a shortterm beneficial effect on lateral epicondylitis, but a negative effect in the intermediate term. [32] (10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003564)
  • [L2] Lateral epicondylitis is a condition that is usually self-limited, resolving over a 12- to 18-month period without treatment. [33] (10.1007/s11552-014-9642-x)
  • [L5] [35] (10.1016/j.csm.2004.06.004)
  • [L4] The annual incidence of lateral epicondylitis per 10,000 patients and the proportion of cases treated surgically remained constant from 2007 to 2014. [38] (10.1007/s11420-017-9559-3)
  • [L4] To our knowledge, we present the first case of HO development after elbow arthroscopy for lateral epicondylitis. [39] (10.1177/1558944716668844)
  • [L3] [46] (10.1016/j.jseint.2024.01.008)
  • [L2] The results of this meta-analysis strongly support the hypothesis of an association between biomechanical exposure involving wrist and/or elbow at work and incidence of lateral epicondylitis. [57] (10.1002/acr.22874)
  • [L1] Peri-articular HA treatment for tennis elbow was significantly better than control in improving pain at rest and after maximal grip testing. [61] (10.1186/1758-2555-2-4)
  • [L5] Nonsurgical treatment is the mainstay of management for lateral epicondylitis, involving options such as rest, physical therapy, and injections. [62] (10.5435/00124635-200801000-00004)
  • [L4] [64] (10.1016/j.xrrt.2024.08.008)
  • [Paper] The article reviews the pathology, clinical presentation, and treatment options for lateral and medial epicondylitis in athletes, noting that nonoperative treatment has a success rate of up to 90% and that surgical options are reserved for recalcitrant cases. [66] (10.1016/j.csm.2010.06.009)
  • [L4] The arthroscopic identification of the 3 types of Baker lesions helps the surgeon to confirm the presence of pathology commonly seen intra-articularly in patients with lateral epicondylitis. [68] (10.1016/j.eats.2024.103142)
  • [L3] Although there is variation in the use of MRI for lateral epicondylitis and its use is associated with downstream effects, the routine use of MRI for the diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis is low. [69] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.03.025)
  • [L4] Increased MRI signal in the ECRB origin is common in symptomatic and in asymptomatic elbows. [70] (10.1016/j.jse.2016.01.033)
  • [L4] [71] (10.1016/j.jse.2016.10.022)
  • [L3] Surgical management of lateral epicondylitis varies depending on surgeons' fellowship training, and short-term complication rates appear comparable between open and arthroscopic treatment. [73] (10.1016/j.arthro.2017.04.078)
  • [L2] Poor prognosis at 1yr of follow-up for lateral epicondylitis was related to manual work and high baseline pain, whilst no relation was found between the type of medical treatment given/chosen and prognosis. [77] (10.1093/rheumatology/keg360)
  • [L4] Repetitive exposure to bending/straightening the elbow was a significant risk factor for medial and lateral epicondylitis. [84] (10.1093/rheumatology/ker228)

References

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[3] Persistent Tennis Elbow Symptoms Have Little Prognostic Value: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2021. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000002058

[4] Does Nonsurgical Treatment Improve Longitudinal Outcomes of Lateral Epicondylitis Over No Treatment? A Meta-analysis. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2015. DOI: 10.1007/s11999-014-4022-y

[5] The diagnostic validity of musculoskeletal ultrasound in lateral epicondylalgia: a systematic review. BMC Medical Imaging. 2014. DOI: 10.1186/1471-2342-14-10

[7] Elbow Tendinopathy and Tendon Ruptures: Epicondylitis, Biceps and Triceps Ruptures. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2009. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.01.022

[8] Work‐related risk factors for lateral epicondylitis and other cause of elbow pain in the working population. American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 2012. DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22140

[10] Diagnosis and treatment of medial epicondylitis of the elbow. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2004. DOI: 10.1016/j.csm.2004.04.011

[11] Surgery for lateral elbow pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2011. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003525.pub2

[12] Current Trends for Treating Lateral Epicondylitis. Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow. 2019. DOI: 10.5397/cise.2019.22.4.227

[13] An epidemiologic study of tennis elbow. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 1979. DOI: 10.1177/036354657900700405

[14] Clinical Diagnosis Of Lateral Sided Elbow Pain: A Prediction Model To Recognise A Diagnosis Other Than A Tennis Elbow. JSES International. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2024.08.047

[15] Failed surgical treatment for lateral epicondylitis: literature review and treatment considerations for successful outcomes. JSES Reviews, Reports, and Techniques. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.xrrt.2023.07.006

[16] A Comparative Study Between Denervation and Extensor Release for Management of Resistant Tennis Elbow. JAAOS: Global Research and Reviews. 2026. DOI: 10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-24-00352

[17] Surgical Techniques and Clinical Outcomes for Medial Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2022. DOI: 10.1177/03635465221095565

[18] Effectiveness of the eccentric exercise therapy in physically active adults with symptomatic shoulder impingement or lateral epicondylar tendinopathy: A systematic review. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2015.06.007

[19] Management of lateral epicondylitis. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research. 2019. DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2019.09.004

[20] Medial Epicondylitis in Occupational Settings: Prevalence, Incidence and Associated Risk Factors. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2003. DOI: 10.1097/01.jom.0000085888.37273.d9

[21] Surgical Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2007. DOI: 10.1097/blo.0b013e3181483dc4

[22] Mobilisation with movement and exercise, corticosteroid injection, or wait and see for tennis elbow: randomised trial. BMJ. 2006. DOI: 10.1136/bmj.38961.584653.ae

[25] Lateral Epicondylitis: Review and Current Concepts. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2007. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.07.019

[26] Lateral epicondylitis. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2013. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.95b9.29285

[28] Management of tennis elbow: a survey of UK clinical practice. Shoulder & Elbow. 2017. DOI: 10.1177/1758573217738199

[30] Treatment, Diagnostic Criteria and Variability of Terminology for Lateral Elbow Pain: Findings from an Overview of Systematic Reviews. Healthcare. 2022. DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10061095

[31] Surgery for tennis elbow: a systematic review. Shoulder & Elbow. 2017. DOI: 10.1177/1758573217745041

[32] Treating lateral epicondylitis with corticosteroid injections or non-electrotherapeutical physiotherapy: a systematic review. BMJ Open. 2013. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003564

[33] Non-Surgical Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Aystematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. HAND. 2014. DOI: 10.1007/s11552-014-9642-x

[35] Lateral epicondylitis. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2004. DOI: 10.1016/j.csm.2004.06.004

[38] Epidemiology and Disease Burden of Lateral Epicondylitis in the USA: Analysis of 85, 318 Patients. HSS Journal®: The Musculoskeletal Journal of Hospital for Special Surgery. 2018. DOI: 10.1007/s11420-017-9559-3

[39] Heterotopic Ossification After the Arthroscopic Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis. HAND. 2017. DOI: 10.1177/1558944716668844

[42] Green S Operative Hand Surgery. Surgical Treatment > Expected Outcomes.

[43] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update Sports Medicine 6. Chronic/Overuse Elbow Disorders > Summary.

[44] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update Sports Medicine 6. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Elbow > Annotated References.

[45] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Elbow Stiffness* > IV. Evaluation.

[46] Prevalence and factors associated with lateral epicondylitis among hospital healthcare workers. JSES International. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2024.01.008

[47] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. ELBOW, WRIST, AND HAND.

[49] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 13 Ebook Without Multimedia. Anatomy, Biomechanics, Physical Examination, and Imaging of the Elbow > Summary and Conclusions.

[51] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis > I. Lateral Epicondylitis.

[52] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. POSTERIOR SURGICAL APPROACH FOR QUADRILATERAL SPACE SYNDROME > ELBOW INJURIES > ELBOW TENOPATHIES.

[54] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 13 Ebook Without Multimedia. Anatomy, Biomechanics, Physical Examination, and Imaging of the Elbow > Biomechanics > Clinical Examination.

[57] Lateral Epicondylitis and Physical Exposure at Work? A Review of Prospective Studies and Meta‐Analysis. Arthritis Care & Research. 2016. DOI: 10.1002/acr.22874

[61] Management of Tennis Elbow with sodium hyaluronate periarticular injections. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2010. DOI: 10.1186/1758-2555-2-4

[62] Management of Lateral Epicondylitis: Current Concepts. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2008. DOI: 10.5435/00124635-200801000-00004

[64] Surgical management of lateral epicondylitis: a scoping review of published literature. JSES Reviews, Reports, and Techniques. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.xrrt.2024.08.008

[66] Epicondylitis in the Athlete’s Elbow. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.csm.2010.06.009

[68] Recognition and Differentiation of Baker Lesions in Lateral Epicondylitis During Arthroscopic Debridement. Arthroscopy Techniques. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.eats.2024.103142

[69] The Use and Downstream Associations of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Lateral Epicondylitis. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.03.025

[70] Incidental magnetic resonance imaging signal changes in the extensor carpi radialis brevis origin are more common with age. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2016.01.033

[71] Three or more preoperative injections is the most significant risk factor for revision surgery after operative treatment of lateral epicondylitis: an analysis of 3863 patients. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2016.10.022

[73] Trends in Surgical Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis Among Recently Trained Orthopaedic Surgeons. Arthroscopy. 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2017.04.078

[77] Prognostic factors in lateral epicondylitis: a randomized trial with one-year follow-up in 266 new cases treated with minimal occupational intervention or the usual approach in general practice. Rheumatology. 2003. DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keg360

[84] Occupation and epicondylitis: a population-based study. Rheumatology. 2011. DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/ker228

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