Arthroscopic surgery versus open surgery for lateral epicondylitis in an active work population: a comparative study.

Background: Lateral epicondylitis is common in workers who perform repetitive movements of the entire upper limb. Approximately 85%-90% of patients respond satisfactorily to conservative treatment, but in resistant patients, surgical treatment is considered. Classic open surgery is successful in between 70% and 97% of patients, similarly to more modern techniques such as arthroscopy. We sought to demonstrate the superiority of the Wolff technique in terms of clinical results. The goals of this study were to compare the functional and pain outcomes of arthroscopic surgery with open surgery using fasciotomy via the Wolff technique in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of 47 working-age patients with resistant lateral epicondylitis: 27 underwent arthroscopic surgery and 20 underwent open surgery. Visual analog scale scores for pain and function, as well as the QuickDASH (short version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and Broberg and Morrey Rating System score, were collected preoperatively and postoperatively; return to patients' previous work and surgical time were also recorded.

Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in the reduction in the visual analog scale score (5.26 in arthroscopy group vs. 5.75 in fasciotomy group, P = .5), QuickDASH (short version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) score (19 vs. 19.4, P = .9), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (82 vs. 81.5, P = .8), or Broberg and Morrey Rating System score (81.9 vs. 82.6, P = .9). The differences in terms of time off were also not statistically significant. The period of work leave corresponded, on average, to 83.78 days in the arthroscopy group and 89.95 days in the Wolff group. The mean surgical time was 44.2 minutes in the group undergoing arthroscopic intervention and 27.5 minutes in the fasciotomy group, showing a statistically significant difference (P < .001).

Conclusions: Arthroscopic surgery and open surgery provide similar functional results and pain reduction in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.