Arthroscopic Debridement for Refractory Lateral Epicondylitis Results for Substantial Improvement in Tendinosis Scores and Good Clinical Outcomes: Qualitative and Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis.

Purpose: To qualify and quantify the changes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signals in the extensor tendons after arthroscopic debridement for lateral epicondylitis and evaluate the association between MRI findings and temporal clinical results by comparisons between recovered and unrecovered cases.

Methods: Thirty-four patients with refractory lateral epicondylitis treated with arthroscopic debridement were divided into recovered (n = 24) and unrecovered (n = 10) groups according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association-Japan Elbow Society score. This study included any patients who underwent both the pre- and postoperative MRI and excluded patients with a previous history of any elbow surgery.