Management of Lateral Epicondylitis in the Athlete

Arthroscopy has become an invaluable tool for addressing elbow pathology in young active patients. The surgical indications for elbow arthroscopy are evolving, but our primary indication has been the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. While, the vast majority of patients with “tennis elbow” respond to nonoperative therapy, arthroscopic release of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) can be a successful means of treating recalcitrant cases. Surgical treatment for recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis provides good results for pain relief and return to function. Arthroscopy appears to combine the best attributes of the earlier return to activity seen with percutaneous procedures and decreased recurrence rates demonstrated with open procedures. In contrast to open surgical management, arthroscopy affords the surgeon an opportunity to address intra-articular pathology which may be preventing the injured athlete’s return to the playing field. This article describes the indications and surgical technique for arthroscopic ECRB release in young athletes.