Tennis Elbow

Overview¶

• There is no true consensus on the most efficacious management of tennis elbow, especially regarding effective long-term outcomes [1].
• Tennis elbow is a common problem that resolves by 6 months in most cases regardless of the treatment used [2].
• For the small percentage of patients who do not respond to nonoperative approaches, surgery provides near 90% satisfaction rates [2].
• Corticosteroid injections for tennis elbow worsen the long-term outcomes of patients [4].
• Symptoms of tennis elbow have a steady half-life of three to four months [5].
• Longer symptom duration does not indicate a poorer prognosis without surgery [5].
• Failed nonoperative treatment should not be used as an indication for surgery unless reliable predictors of non-recovery are identified [5].
• Persistent tennis elbow symptoms are a poor indication for surgery because the majority of patients experience symptom resolution without it [6].
• Surgeons are unable to reliably predict who will or will not improve with nonoperative treatment [6].
• Approximately 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieved symptom resolution by 1 year [8].
• The probability of recovery remained fairly constant over that timespan regardless of prior symptom duration [8].
• The concept that surgery is indicated if symptoms persist for an arbitrary duration is undermined by evidence showing constant recovery probability [8].
• Current research evidence suggests that surgery for tennis elbow is no more effective than nonsurgical treatment based on evidence with significant methodological limitations [27].
• Most cases of lateral epicondylitis respond to appropriate nonoperative treatment protocols [22].
• When nonoperative treatment is unsuccessful, surgical interventions may be performed with a high rate of success [22].
• The Boyd–McLeod procedure is an excellent option over both the short- and long-term for refractory tennis elbow [40].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology¶

• Combined physical exertion and elbow movements are strongly associated with lateral epicondylitis [9].
• Physical examination is a critical component in formulating an accurate diagnosis of elbow conditions [10].
• Evaluation and management of elbow injuries in young athletes requires knowledge of immature developing anatomy and injury pathophysiology [20].
• Elite tennis players exhibit a low carrying angle just before ball impact during the forehand, suggesting dynamic varus instant accommodation moving towards full extension [24].
• The observed decrease in carrying angle in elite tennis players is a consequence of an increase in elbow flexion position dictated by the transition from closed to open, semi-open stances [24].
• Pre-operative evaluations for elbow stiffness should identify involved articular and periarticular tissues and determine whether articular surfaces and osteoarticular congruence are preserved [26].
• Further understanding of the static and dynamic anatomy of the lateral part of the elbow is necessary to develop future treatment and preventive strategies for persistent lateral elbow pain from posterolateral impingement [31].
• Musculoskeletal ultrasonography provides a dynamic, functional assessment of elbow structures, allowing visualization of pathology under stress and motion [32].
• Understanding anatomy and biomechanics allows for the reconstruction of chronically dislocated joints to achieve functional and painless elbows [33].
• Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction using a suspension button fixation technique reliably restored elbow kinematics to the intact state [38].
• The spin move is a simple maneuver that can improve exposure of the coronoid process regardless of the degree of elbow instability [43].
• An internal joint stabilizer with a standardized treatment protocol could maintain concentric reduction while allowing early functional motion and improve clinical outcomes for patients with complex persistent elbow instability [46].
• Understanding the patterns of traumatic elbow instability helps surgeons counsel and manage patients with these injuries [53].
• Elbow arthroscopy has become a safer and more effective treatment modality for several elbow pathologies due to advances in equipment and surgical technique [55].
• The greatest shoulder and elbow peak forces occurred in pitchers with 15° to 25° contralateral trunk tilt (three-quarter arm slot) [56].
• Restoration of osseous anatomy, particularly the coronoid, is a priority in restoring elbow alignment and maintaining ulnohumeral joint stability in postoperative elbow instability [57].
• Arthroscopic tennis elbow release involves placing the patient prone with the ipsilateral shoulder abducted to 90 degrees and supporting the arm with a precut foam holder [59].
• Joint distension for arthroscopic tennis elbow release is performed with 20 to 30 mL of saline through an 18-gauge needle introduced through the direct lateral portal [59].
• The proximal medial or superomedial portal for arthroscopic tennis elbow release is located approximately 2 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle and 1 cm anterior to the intermuscular septum [59].
• The trocar for the proximal medial or superomedial portal is introduced anterior to the intermuscular septum, maintaining contact with the anterior aspect of the humerus as it is directed toward the radial head [59].
• A 2.7-mm, 30-degree arthroscope is used to perform the diagnostic portion of arthroscopic tennis elbow release [59].
• The superolateral portal for arthroscopic tennis elbow release is established with an 18-gauge needle through the lesion [59].
• A full-radius resector is used to excise the capsule to identify the undersurface of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon during arthroscopic tennis elbow release [59].
• The origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis is viewed during arthroscopic tennis elbow release [59].
• A curet and motorized shaver are used to debride the capsule and the pathologic tendinous attachment of the extensor carpi radialis brevis and decorticate the lateral epicondyle during arthroscopic tennis elbow release [59].
• Decortication of the lateral epicondyle and lateral epicondylar ridge can be done with an arthroscopic burr, handheld instruments, or electrocautery during arthroscopic tennis elbow release [59].
• A 70-degree arthroscope may be required in rare instances during arthroscopic tennis elbow release if a 30-degree arthroscope is inadequate to view around the corner [59].

Classification¶

• There is a lack of clear and recognised diagnostic criteria in evaluating and treating patients with lateral elbow pain [21].
• Considerable terminological heterogeneity exists in the description of lateral elbow pain (LEP) [21].
• The terms 'lateral epicondylitis' and 'tennis elbow' should be replaced by 'lateral elbow tendinopathy' because the condition is degenerative rather than inflammatory [52].
• Lateral elbow tendinopathy is encountered more often among workers than tennis players [52].
• A novel MRI classification has emerged as one of the most reliable methods to define stages of chronic lateral epicondylitis [25].
• There is a wide choice and usage of clinical rating systems in the elbow literature [37].

Clinical Presentation¶

• Tennis elbow is a common problem [2].
• Symptoms of tennis elbow have a steady half-life of three to four months [5].
• Approximately 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieve symptom resolution at 1 year [7].
• Approximately 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieved symptom resolution by 1 year, and the probability of recovery remained fairly constant over that timespan regardless of prior symptom duration [8].
• Over 90% of patients with persistent tennis elbow symptoms experienced improvement without surgery [11].
• The transient symptoms of tennis elbow reflect the natural course of a self-limiting condition [12].
• Persistent tennis elbow symptoms have little prognostic value for predicting non-recovery [5].
• Persistent tennis elbow symptoms are a poor indication for surgery as the majority of patients experience symptom resolution without it [6].
• Longer symptom duration does not indicate a poorer prognosis without surgery [5].
• Failed nonoperative treatment should not be used as an indication for surgery unless reliable predictors of non-recovery are identified [5].
• Surgeons are unable to reliably predict who will or will not improve with nonoperative treatment [6].
• Patients are unable to reliably predict who will or will not improve with nonoperative treatment [6].
• The concept that surgery is indicated if symptoms persist for an arbitrary duration is undermined by the constant probability of recovery over time [8].
• Nearly half (46.5%) of patients presenting with lateral elbow pain receive a diagnosis other than lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) [15].
• Physical examination of the elbow is a critical component in formulating an accurate diagnosis [10].
• There is considerable terminological heterogeneity in the description of lateral elbow pain (LEP) [21].
• There is a lack of clear and recognised diagnostic criteria in evaluating and treating patients with lateral elbow pain [21].
• Tennis elbow is characterized by stenosing changes in the orbicular ligament and tendinitis of the common extensor origin [17].
• Tennis elbow is a degenerative process characterized by angiofibroblastic hyperplasia rather than an inflammatory condition [34].
• Combined physical exertion and elbow movements are strongly associated with lateral epicondylitis [9].

Investigations¶

• Nearly half (46.5%) of patients presenting with lateral elbow pain receive a diagnosis other than lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) [15].
• The proposed MRI classification is one of the most reliable methods to define stages of chronic lateral epicondylitis [25].
• MRI is an important decision-making tool in the surgical treatment of refractory tennis elbow [47].
• Computed tomography arthrography (CTA) is a reliable and accurate diagnostic modality compared with MRI to detect capsular tears in patients with chronic tennis elbow [50].
• Increased MRI signal in the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) origin is common in both symptomatic and asymptomatic elbows [54].
• The coronoid opening angle can be of value alongside 3-dimensional imaging in evaluating elbow injuries and used as an adjunct in clinical decision making [58].
• Oedema is commonly found in asymptomatic elbows, necessitating the presence of thickening or tears in the common extensor origin (CEO) tendon to objectively diagnose tennis elbow on MRI [60].
• There should be an emphasis on not overanalyzing and treating based on MRI findings alone for young patients with elbow dislocations [61].
• The diagnostic and prognostic value of MRI imaging in lateral epicondylar tendinopathy is called into question, especially in older patients [62].
• Post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the elbow is an uncommon condition where clinical manifestations often vary from radiological findings [63].
• Autologous tenocyte injection significantly improved clinical function and MRI tendinopathy scores for up to 5 years in patients with chronic resistant lateral epicondylitis who had previously undergone unsuccessful nonsurgical treatment [64].
• The lack of both neovascularity and grey scale changes on ultrasound examination substantially increases the probability that lateral elbow tendinopathy is not present and should prompt consideration of other causes for lateral elbow pain [65].
• The size of intrasubstance tears and presence of a lateral collateral ligament tear on ultrasound can be used to assess lateral elbow tendinopathy severity and indicate those who may not respond to nonoperative therapy [66].
• Sonography has no prognostic value for predicting the effectiveness of brace only, physical therapy only, or a combination of these strategies in patients with tennis elbow [68].
• Patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis who sustain an acute injury may develop an additional lesion involving the radial ulno-humeral ligament [69].
• Ultrasound (US) and color Doppler (CD) guided intratendinous injections gave pain relief in patients with tennis elbow [70].

Treatment¶

Natural History and Non-Operative Management¶

• There is no true consensus on the most efficacious management of tennis elbow, especially regarding effective long-term outcomes [1].
• Tennis elbow resolves by 6 months in most cases regardless of the treatment used [2].
• Symptoms of tennis elbow have a steady half-life of three to four months [5].
• Longer symptom duration does not indicate a poorer prognosis without surgery [5].
• Failed nonoperative treatment should not be used as an indication for surgery unless reliable predictors of non-recovery are identified [5].
• Persistent tennis elbow symptoms are a poor indication for surgery because the majority of patients experience symptom resolution without it [6].
• Surgeons are unable to reliably predict which patients will or will not improve with nonoperative treatment [6].
• About 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieve symptom resolution at 1 year based on placebo or no-treatment control arms of randomized trials [7].
• Most patients with lateral epicondylitis resolve spontaneously or with standard conservative management [41].
• Corticosteroid injections for tennis elbow worsen the long-term outcomes of patients [4].

Operative and Interventional Management¶

• For the small percentage of patients who do not respond to nonoperative approaches, surgery provides near 90% satisfaction rates [2].
• When nonoperative treatment is unsuccessful, surgical interventions may be performed with a high rate of success [22].
• Most cases of lateral epicondylitis respond to appropriate nonoperative treatment protocols, but refractory cases may benefit from interventional therapies or surgical approaches [41].
• Percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy is a safe and effective treatment for chronic medial and lateral elbow tendinosis, producing statistically significant improvements in pain and function over a 1-year follow-up period [13].
• Minimally invasive percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy provided sustained pain relief and functional improvement for recalcitrant tennis elbow at 3-year follow-up [18].
• Autologous tenocyte injection (ATI) showed significantly improved clinical function and structural repair at the origin of the common extensor tendon in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis who had previously undergone an unsuccessful full course of nonoperative treatment [14].
• Injectable recombinant human collagen scaffold combined with autologous platelet-rich plasma (STR/PRP) is a safe treatment that effectively induces clinically significant improvements in elbow symptoms, general well-being, objective measures of strength, and imaging of the common extensor tendon within 6 months for elbow tendinopathy recalcitrant to standard treatments [35].
• Similar outcomes in pain improvement and return to work may be achievable with either platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or surgery in recalcitrant lateral elbow tendinosis [36].
• A large percentage of patients who fail conservative treatment for medial humeral epicondylitis (tendinosis) can obtain pain relief and return to activities with the described operative technique [44].
• Current research evidence suggests that surgery for tennis elbow is no more effective than nonsurgical treatment, based on evidence with significant methodological limitations [27].
• There is wide variability of treatments offered when physiotherapy fails patients with tennis elbow [45].

Complications¶

• Corticosteroid injections for tennis elbow worsen long-term outcomes [4].
• Corticosteroid injection provides significant short-term benefits that are reversed after six weeks, with high recurrence rates [48].
• Persistent tennis elbow symptoms have little prognostic value, with approximately 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieving symptom resolution at 1 year [7].
• Approximately 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieved symptom resolution by 1 year, and the probability of recovery remained fairly constant over that timespan regardless of prior symptom duration [8].
• Over 90% of patients with persistent tennis elbow symptoms experienced improvement without surgery [11].
• Tennis elbow is a common problem that resolves by 6 months in most cases no matter what treatment is used [2].
• Symptoms of tennis elbow have a steady half-life of three to four months [5].
• The transient symptoms of tennis elbow reflect the natural course of a self-limiting condition [12].
• Conservative treatment without prohibiting tennis play resulted in an 83% rate of spontaneous bone union in male junior tennis players with medial epicondylar fragmentation, but elbow pain persisted in 50% of subjects at re-examination [30].

Recovery¶

• Tennis elbow resolves by 6 months in most cases regardless of the treatment used [2].
• Symptoms of tennis elbow have a steady half-life of three to four months [5].
• Longer symptom duration does not indicate a poorer prognosis without surgery [5].
• Failed nonoperative treatment should not be used as an indication for surgery unless reliable predictors of non-recovery are identified [5].
• Persistent tennis elbow symptoms are a poor indication for surgery because the majority of patients experience symptom resolution without it [6].
• Surgeons are unable to reliably predict who will or will not improve with nonoperative treatment [6].
• About 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieve symptom resolution at 1 year based on placebo or no-treatment control arms of randomized trials [7].
• Approximately 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieved symptom resolution by 1 year [8].
• The probability of recovery remained fairly constant over that timespan regardless of prior symptom duration [8].
• The concept that surgery is indicated if symptoms persist for an arbitrary duration is undermined by the constant probability of recovery [8].
• Over 90% of patients with persistent tennis elbow symptoms experienced improvement without surgery [11].
• Conservative treatment without prohibiting tennis play resulted in an 83% rate of spontaneous bone union in male junior tennis players with medial epicondylar fragmentation of the humerus [30].
• Elbow pain persisted in 50% of subjects with medial epicondylar fragmentation at re-examination despite spontaneous bone union [30].
• Percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy is a safe and effective treatment for chronic medial and lateral elbow tendinosis, producing statistically significant improvements in pain and function over a 1-year follow-up period [13].
• Patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis who had previously undergone an unsuccessful full course of nonoperative treatment showed significantly improved clinical function and structural repair at the origin of the common extensor tendon after autologous tenocyte injection (ATI) [14].
• Minimally invasive percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy provided sustained pain relief and functional improvement for recalcitrant tennis elbow at 3-year follow-up [18].
• Corticosteroid injections for tennis elbow worsen the long term outcomes of patients [4].

Key Evidence¶

• [L1] Despite a wealth of research, there is no true consensus on the most efficacious management of tennis elbow especially for effective long-term outcomes. [1] (10.2147/oajsm.s10310)
• [L5] Tennis elbow is a common problem that resolves by 6 months in most cases no matter what treatment is used, but for the small percentage of patients who do not respond to nonoperative approaches, surgery provides near 90% satisfaction rates. [2] (10.1016/j.arthro.2017.02.020)
• [Paper] Corticosteroid injections for tennis elbow worsen the long term outcomes of patients. [4] (10.1016/j.jsams.2009.09.009)
• [L4] Symptoms of tennis elbow have a steady half-life of three to four months, indicating that longer symptom duration does not indicate a poorer prognosis without surgery, and failed nonoperative treatment should not be used as an indication for surgery unless reliable predictors of non-recovery are identified. [5] (10.1302/0301-620x.105b2.bjj-2022-0883.r1)
• [L2] Persistent tennis elbow symptoms are a poor indication for surgery as the majority of patients experience symptom resolution without it, and surgeons are unable to reliably predict who will or will not improve with nonoperative treatment. [6] (10.1097/corr.0000000000003425)
• [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. [7] (10.1097/corr.0000000000002058)
• [L1] Approximately 90% of people with untreated tennis elbow achieved symptom resolution by 1 year, and the probability of recovery remained fairly constant over that timespan regardless of prior symptom duration, undermining the concept that surgery is indicated if symptoms persist for an arbitrary duration. [8] (10.1097/corr.0000000000002149)
• [L4] This study emphasizes the strength of the associations between combined physical exertion and elbow movements and lateral epicondylitis. [9] (10.1002/ajim.22140)
• [L5] Physical examination of the elbow is a critical component in formulating an accurate diagnosis. [10] (10.5435/jaaos-d-16-00622)
• [Paper] The commentary highlights that over 90% of patients with persistent tennis elbow symptoms experienced improvement without surgery, challenging the notion that surgical intervention is the right step for patients with longstanding symptoms. [11] (10.1097/corr.0000000000003488)
• [L4] The transient symptoms of tennis elbow seen in these two cases reflect the natural course of a self-limiting condition. [12] (10.1007/s00167-012-1939-0)
• [L4] Percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy is a safe and effective treatment for chronic medial and lateral elbow tendinosis, producing statistically significant improvements in pain and function over a 1-year follow-up period. [13] (10.1016/j.jse.2014.07.017)
• [L4] Patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis who had previously undergone an unsuccessful full course of nonoperative treatment showed significantly improved clinical function and structural repair at the origin of the common extensor tendon after ATI. [14] (10.1177/0363546513504285)
• [L3] Nearly half (46.5%) of patients presenting with lateral elbow pain receive a diagnosis other than lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET). [15] (10.1016/j.jse.2025.10.006)
• [L4] Minimally invasive percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy provided sustained pain relief and functional improvement for recalcitrant tennis elbow at 3-year follow-up. [18] (10.1177/0363546515612758)
• [L5] Evaluation and management of elbow injuries in young athletes requires knowledge of the immature developing anatomy, injury pathophysiology, and established treatment algorithms for each diagnosis. [20] (10.1016/j.csm.2010.06.010)
• [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. [21] (10.3390/healthcare10061095)
• [L4] Most cases of lateral epicondylitis respond to appropriate nonoperative treatment protocols, but when unsuccessful, surgical interventions may be performed with a high rate of success. [22] (10.1016/j.jse.2009.12.016)
• [L4] The observed decrease in the carrying angle is a consequence of an increase in elbow flexion position dictated by the transition from a closed to open, semi‐open stances. [24] (10.1002/ksa.12016)
• [L4] The proposed MRI classification has emerged as one of the most reliable methods to define stages of chronic lateral epicondylitis. [25] (10.1186/s12891-022-05758-z)
• [L5] Pre-operative evaluations in elbow stiffness should identify involved articular and periarticular tissues and determine whether articular surfaces and osteoarticular congruence are preserved. [26] (10.1016/j.jisako.2023.10.009)
• [L1] Current research evidence suggests that surgery for tennis elbow is no more effective than nonsurgical treatment based on evidence with significant methodological limitations. [27] (10.1177/1758573217745041)
• [L2] Although conservative treatment without prohibiting tennis play resulted in an 83% rate of spontaneous bone union, elbow pain persisted in 50% of subjects at re-examination. [30] (10.1016/j.jse.2014.06.044)
• [L4] Further understanding of the static and dynamic anatomy of the lateral part of the elbow will help to develop future treatment and preventive strategies. [31] (10.5397/cise.2023.01081)
• [L5] Musculoskeletal ultrasonography provides a dynamic, functional assessment of elbow structures, allowing visualization of pathology under stress and motion. [32] (10.5435/jaaos-d-20-00935)
• [L4] By combining an understanding of anatomy and biomechanics with surgical technique, the authors could reconstruct chronically dislocated joints to achieve functional and painless elbows. [33] (10.1016/j.jse.2006.09.003)
• [L5] Tennis elbow is a degenerative process characterized by angiofibroblastic hyperplasia rather than an inflammatory condition, and proper treatment depends on understanding this pathogenesis. [34] (10.2106/00004623-199902000-00014)
• [L4] STR/PRP is a safe treatment that effectively induces clinically significant improvements in elbow symptoms and general well-being as well as objective measures of strength and imaging of the common extensor tendon within 6 months of treatment of elbow tendinopathy recalcitrant to standard treatments. [35] (10.1016/j.jse.2018.09.007)
• [L3] Similar outcomes in pain improvement and return to work may be achievable with either PRP injections or surgery in recalcitrant lateral elbow tendinosis. [36] (10.1007/s11552-014-9717-8)
• [L4] This study identified a wide choice and usage of clinical rating systems in the elbow literature. [37] (10.1016/j.jse.2017.12.027)
• [L5] Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction using a suspension button fixation technique reliably restored elbow kinematics to the intact state. [38] (10.1177/0363546509350109)
• [L4] The Boyd–McLeod procedure is an excellent option over both the short- and long-term for refractory tennis elbow. [40] (10.1177/1758573214540637)
• [L4] Most patients with lateral epicondylitis resolve spontaneously or with standard conservative management, but refractory cases may benefit from interventional therapies or surgical approaches. [41] (10.5397/cise.2019.22.4.227)
• [L5] The spin move is a simple maneuver that can improve exposure of the coronoid process regardless of the degree of elbow instability. [43] (10.1016/j.jse.2022.11.020)
• [L4] There is wide variability of treatments offered when physiotherapy fails patients with tennis elbow. [45] (10.1177/1758573217738199)
• [L4] An internal joint stabilizer with a standardized treatment protocol could maintain concentric reduction while allowing early functional motion and improve clinical outcomes for patients with complex persistent elbow instability. [46] (10.1097/corr.0000000000002159)
• [L4] MRI is an important decision-making tool in the surgical treatment of refractory tennis elbow. [47] (10.1016/j.jse.2004.07.011)
• [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. [48] (10.1136/bmj.38961.584653.ae)
• [L2] CTA was a reliable and accurate diagnostic modality compared with MRI to detect the capsular tear in patients with chronic tennis elbow. [50] (10.1016/j.jse.2010.12.002)
• [L5] The authors suggest that the terms 'lateral epicondylitis' and 'tennis elbow' be dropped from future publications and be replaced by 'lateral elbow tendinopathy' because the condition is degenerative rather than inflammatory and is encountered more often among workers than tennis players. [52] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.06.024)
• [L5] Understanding the patterns of traumatic elbow instability helps the surgeon counsel and manage patients with these injuries. [53] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2010.05.002)
• [L4] Increased MRI signal in the ECRB origin is common in symptomatic and in asymptomatic elbows. [54] (10.1016/j.jse.2016.01.033)
• [L5] Elbow arthroscopy has become a safer and more effective treatment modality for several elbow pathologies due to advances in equipment and surgical technique. [55] (10.5435/00124635-200810000-00003)
• [L3] The greatest shoulder and elbow peak forces occurred in pitchers with 15° to 25° contralateral trunk tilt (three-quarter arm slot). [56] (10.1177/03635465231151940)
• [L5] Restoration of osseous anatomy, particularly the coronoid, is a priority in restoring elbow alignment and maintaining ulnohumeral joint stability. [57] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.10.015)
• [L4] It can be of value alongside 3-dimensional imaging in evaluating elbow injuries and used as an adjunct in clinical decision making. [58] (10.1016/j.jse.2021.12.039)
• [L4] Oedema was commonly found in asymptomatic elbows, necessitating the presence of thickening or tears in the CEO tendon to objectively diagnose tennis elbow on MRI. [60] (10.1093/occmed/kqg031)
• [L4] Given that most young patients with elbow dislocations are successfully treated without ligament repair, there should be an emphasis on not overanalyzing and treating based on MRI findings alone. [61] (10.1177/1558944720949961)
• [L4] This draws into question the diagnostic and prognostic value of MRI imaging in lateral epicondylar tendinopathy, especially in older patients. [62] (10.1177/17585732221146731)
• [L4] Post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the elbow is an uncommon condition where clinical manifestations often vary from radiological findings. [63] (10.1016/j.otsr.2013.11.004)
• [L4] Autologous tenocyte injection significantly improved clinical function and MRI tendinopathy scores for up to 5 years in patients with chronic resistant lateral epicondylitis who had previously undergone unsuccessful nonsurgical treatment. [64] (10.1177/0363546515579185)
• [L4] The lack of both neovascularity and grey scale changes on ultrasound examination also substantially increase the probability that the condition is not present and should prompt the clinician to consider other causes for lateral elbow pain. [65] (10.1136/bjsm.2007.043901)
• [L2] The size of intrasubstance tears and presence of a lateral collateral ligament tear on ultrasound can be used to assess lateral elbow tendinopathy severity and indicate those who may not respond to nonoperative therapy. [66] (10.1177/0363546509359066)
• [L1] Sonography has no prognostic value for predicting the effectiveness of brace only, physical therapy only, or a combination of these strategies in patients with tennis elbow. [68] (10.2214/ajr.04.0656)
• [L4] Patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis who sustain an acute injury may develop an additional lesion involving the radial ulno-humeral ligament. [69] (10.1016/j.jse.2012.04.008)
• [L1] US and CD guided intratendinous injections gave pain relief in patients with tennis elbow. [70] (10.1136/bjsm.2007.042762)

References¶

[1] Management of tennis elbow. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine. 2011. DOI: 10.2147/oajsm.s10310 [2] Editorial Commentary: Elbow Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) Surgery Works, but Is Not Often Indicated. Arthroscopy. 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2017.02.020 [4] Stop injecting corticosteroid into patients with tennis elbow, they are much more likely to get better by themselves!. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2009.09.009 [5] Is it time to reconsider the indications for surgery in patients with tennis elbow?. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2023. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.105b2.bjj-2022-0883.r1 [6] Can Surgeons or Patients Predict the Likelihood of Improvement With Nonoperative Treatment of Chronic Tennis Elbow?. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000003425 [7] Persistent Tennis Elbow Symptoms Have Little Prognostic Value: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2021. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000002058 [8] Editor’s Spotlight/Take 5: Persistent Tennis Elbow Symptoms Have Little Prognostic Value: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2022. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000002149 [9] 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] Comprehensive Review of the Elbow Physical Examination. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2018. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-16-00622 [11] CORR Insights®: Can Surgeons or Patients Predict the Likelihood of Improvement With Nonoperative Treatment of Chronic Tennis Elbow?. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000003488 [12] Natural course in tennis elbow—lateral epicondylitis after all?. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2012. 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