Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the longterm results of microtenotomy using a bipolar radiofrequency to treat lateral epicondylitis of the elbow.

Material and methods: We prospectively reviewed 15 consecutive patients who underwent microtenotomy of extensor carpi radialis brevis and/or common extensor tendon using bipolar radiofrecuency. The average age was 38 years (25-57 years). All patients had tendinosis symptoms for 3 months or longer and had failed conservative treatment. All patients were medium and heavy-labour workers and dominant limb was involved in 80% of the patients. The mean prospective follow-up was 40,5 months (38-42 months). Microdebridement was performed using the TOPAZ Microdebrider device (ArthroCare, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). Functional outcome was assessed using the DASH evaluation and laboral evaluation was performed at the end of follow-up.

Results: 6 patients (40%) had persistent pain after surgery and requiring a reoperation. The mean DASH score was 18 (range, 0-73) at the end of follow-up. All patients return to work, 4% to a different work performing less stremuous activities. After surgery, the range time to return to work was 262 days.

Conclusions: The bipolar radiofrequency based microtenotomy had insafisfactory results with high rate of reoperations in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis who have failed conservative therapy in medium or heavy labour workers.

Correspondencia:

P. J. Delgado Serrano
Hospital Fremap.
Centro de Prevención y Rehabilitación
Carretera de Pozuelo, 61. 28220 Majadahonda (Madrid)
E-mail: pedrojose_delgado_serrano@fremap.es

Patología del Aparato Locomotor, 2007; 5 (1): 11-15