Epicondilitis

The epicondylitis is a common disease at the elbow. It is a chronic tendinosis originated in most of the cases by the repetitive injury of the extensor muscles of the forearm, related with work activity or sport. It has a clear occupational profile as other upper extremity chronic tendinopathies and it can appear associated with them simultaneously. It produces pain at the lateral aspect of the elbow irradiated down the forearm, sensation of weakness in the hand, and frequently disability. The duration of the sintomatology is prolonged, generally require from 6 to 9 months to resolve, although it can overcome a year. The diagnosis is eminently clinical; adjunct studies are only necessary in cases of doubt, to assess asociated entities or to plan the surgery when it is suitable. The treatment is always conservative, precise of a therapy combined with NSAIDs, physiotherapy exercises, activity and ergonomic modifications and preventive brace; in the most symptomatic cases also local corticosteroid injections and/or rehabilitation are required. The surgical treatment is indicated when after a year with optimum conservative management, pain that interferes with the daily activities persists. It is a relatively frequent cause of transitory work disability for what bears important economic costs.