Comparative Study: Arthroscopic Versus Open Tennis Elbow Release

Abstract

Background: Tennis elbow is a very common elbow pathology caused by repetitive trauma over the tendon of Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB) at the common extensor origin. Most cases respond to conservative treatment while resistant cases may need arthroscopic or open surgical release. This study aimed to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of arthroscopic and open release for resistant tennis elbow in selected patients. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective study that was conducted over three years (between 2015 and 2018) and included 30 patients with resistant tennis elbow. The patients were randomized into two equal groups with fifteen patients in each group. The first group (A) had undergone an arthroscopic release while the second group (B) had undergone an open release. All patients were evaluated preoperatively, 3 weeks postoperatively, and 1 year postoperatively using MEPS, DASH Score, and VAS. Results: One year postoperatively, the mean MPES, DASH score, and VAS were improved significantly in both groups. There was no significant difference in the outcome scores between both groups. The average time for return to work was 5.8 ± 2.07 (4-12) weeks for group-A and 8.8 ± 1.97 (7-14) weeks for group-B. There were no significant complications in both groups. Conclusion: Both arthroscopic and open release are similar and effective in the treatment of resistant tennis elbow as noticed by improvement in MEPS, DASH score, and VAS at the end of follow up. The arthroscopic release permits earlier recovery and return to work.