Lateral epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis is associated with repetitive wrist extension that is thought to result in tearing of the muculotendinous unit of the extensor carpi radialis brevis and sometimes the extensor digitorum communis tendon. Nonoperative treatment, which should be tried for at least 3 to 6 months, can include activity modification, exercise, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, counterforce bracing, and, occasionally, corticosteroid injection. If these measures fail to resolve the patient's symptoms, the authors consider arthroscopic release of the extensor carpi radialis brevis, a technique that is showing promising results in early studies.