Lateral epicondylitis treatment by extensor carpi radialis fasciotomy and radial nerve decompression: Is outcome influenced by the occupational disease compensation aspect?

SummaryIntroductionThe etiology, treatment, and patient management in cases of chronic epicondylitis, within the legislation on occupational disease, remain highly controversial.HypothesisRecognition as an occupational disease has a negative influence on the functional result of epicondylitis treated with aponeurotomy and neurolysis of the motor branch of the radial nerve.Patients and methodsTwenty-eight patients (30 cases of epicondylitis) were operated between January 2007 and January 2008. There were nine men and 19 women whose mean age was 46.1 years. A preoperative EMG found anomalies in the deep posterior interosseous nerve in all cases. Patients were divided into two groups: one group of patients recognized as having an occupational disease and a group of patients whose disease was not considered occupation-related.ResultsThe patients were seen at follow-up at a mean 21.8 months. In the group of patients with occupational disease, there were six excellent, nine good, and five acceptable results; in the second group, there were six excellent, two good, and two acceptable results.ConclusionRecognition of epicondylitis as an occupational disease has a significant influence only on the time to pain relief and the result on strength.Level of evidenceLevel IV. Retrospective study.