Arthroscopic lateral capsule resection is enough for the management of lateral epicondylitis

Purpose Controversy exists with regards to the etiology and treatment of lateral epicondylitis and the role of the lateral capsule in this pathology. The aim of this study was to compare arthroscopic lateral capsule resection with or without extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon debridement for treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Methods This is a retrospective study of 38 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery for LE with two different techniques: Eighteen patients were treated with arthroscopic lateral capsular resection (LCR) + ECRB debridement and 20 patients were treated with arthroscopic LCR alone, without ECRB debridement. Both groups were assessed with Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QDASH) score for function and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score for pain. Results Quick DASH scores were 12 ± 5 and 13 ± 4 at Groups 1 and 2, respectively, without any statistically significant difference. VAS pain scores were 15 ± 2 for both groups. VAS function scores were 85 ± 22 and 86 ± 18 at Groups 1 and 2 respectively. Sick leave periods in terms of weeks were 7 ± 5 and 7 ± 4 at Groups 1 and 2, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in outcome of the two groups compared in terms of VAS pain, function scores, failure (re-operation) rates and sick leave period at the end of final follow-up. Conclusion Both arthroscopic LCR alone and Arthroscopic LCR with ECRB debridement for the management of refractory LE provide significant improvement in pain and function. Isolated Arthroscopic LCR could be a sufficient surgical treatment for refractory LE. Thus, ECRB debridement or release may not be necessary in every case. Level of evidence IV.