Purpose: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of microtenotomy using a radiofrequency
(RF) probe to treat chronic tendinosis of the common extensor tendon origins of the
elbow (lateral epicondyle). Type of Study: Prospective, nonrandomized consecutive case series. Methods: The average age of the 13 patients was 48.3 ± 5.5 years. Before receiving the microtenotomy,
all patients had tendinosis symptoms for 6 months or longer and had failed conservative
treatment. The RF-based microdebridement was performed on the symptomatic tendon using
the TOPAZ Microdebrider device (ArthroCare, Sunnyvale, CA). Patients were followed-up
at regular postoperative intervals for 24 months. Pain status was documented using
a visual analog scale self-reported measure. Functional outcome was assessed using
the upper limb DASH evaluation and grip-strength measures. Quality of life assessment
was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed
at regular intervals over the follow-up period. Results: Patients reported significantly reduced pain from baseline at the 7- to 10-day postoperative
examination (P ≤ .01). Pain reduction was statistically stable from 7 to 10 days through the 24-month
postoperative period (P ≤ .01). Limb-specific functional outcomes and quality of life scores were improved
over baseline values. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications related
to the procedure. Conclusions: The RF-based microtenotomy procedure was safe and effective through at least 2 years.
This procedure provides a valuable addition for treating patients with lateral epicondylitis
associated with tendinosis who have failed conservative therapy. Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Key Words
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Article info
Footnotes
Supported by the Docere Foundation, San Diego, and ArthroCare Corporation, Sunnyvale, California.
Identification
Copyright
© 2005 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.