Logo image
Back
Ultrasound-guided tenotomy improves physical function and decreases pain for tendinopathies of the elbow: a retrospective review
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Ultrasound-guided tenotomy improves physical function and decreases pain for tendinopathies of the elbow: a retrospective review

Daniel Stover, Benjamin Fick, Ruth L Chimenti and Mederic M Hall
Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery, Vol.28(12), pp.2386-2393
12/2019
DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2019.06.011
PMCID: PMC6874924
PMID: 31471243
url
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/6874924View
Open Access

Abstract

Tendinopathy is a common cause of elbow pain in the active population. Ultrasound-guided tenotomy (USGT) is a minimally invasive treatment option for cases recalcitrant to conservative management. Several case studies have shown promising preliminary results of USGT for common extensor tendinopathy and common flexor tendinopathy, but none have included USGT for triceps tendinopathy. This larger retrospective study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of USGT for all elbow tendinopathy sites at short- and long-term follow-up. Retrospective chart review identified 131 patients (144 procedures; mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 48.1 ± 9.8 years; mean body mass index ± SD, 32.2 ± 7.7; 59% male) with elbow tendinopathy (104 common extensor tendinopathy, 19 common flexor tendinopathy, 8 triceps tendinopathy) treated with USGT over a 6-year period by a single physician. Pain and quality-of-life measures were collected at baseline. Pain, quality-of-life, satisfaction with outcome, and complications were collected at short-term (2-, 6-, and 12-week) and long-term (median 2.7 years, interquartile range = 2.0-4.0 years) follow-up. Overall, USGT for elbow tendinopathy decreased pain from moderate/severe at baseline to mild/occasional at short- and long-term follow-up (P < .01). Quality-of-life assessments showed significant improvement in physical function at short- and long-term follow-up (P < .01). The majority (70%) of patients were satisfied with the procedure. There was a 0% complication rate. Benefits of USGT include pain relief, improved physical function, and high patient satisfaction. USGT is a safe, minimally invasive treatment for refractory elbow tendinopathy.
 Adult Arthralgia - etiology Elbow Joint - physiopathology Elbow Joint - surgery Elbow Tendinopathy - complications Elbow Tendinopathy - physiopathology Elbow Tendinopathy - surgery Female Follow-Up Studies Humans Male Middle Aged Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures - methods Pain Measurement Patient Satisfaction Quality of Life Retrospective Studies Surgery, Computer-Assisted Tenotomy - adverse effects Tenotomy - methods Ultrasonography

Details

Metrics

11 Record Views
16 Times Cited - Web of Science
Logo image