Lateral epicondylitis
Background
- Overuse syndrome affecting the forearm, wrist, and digit extensors/supinators
Tendinopathy Types
- Patellar tendonitis
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Medial epicondylitis (golf elbow)
- Pes anserine bursitis
Clinical Features
- TTP over the lateral epicondyle and pain with forced extension and supination of forearm
Differential Diagnosis
Elbow Diagnoses
Radiograph-Positive
- Distal humerus fracture
- Radial head fracture
- Capitellum fracture
- Olecranon fracture
- Elbow dislocation
Radiograph-Negative
- Biceps tendon rupture/dislocation
- Lateral epicondylitis
- Medial epicondylitis
- Olecranon bursitis (nonseptic)
- Pronator teres syndrome
- Septic bursitis
Pediatric
- Nursemaid's elbow
- Supracondylar fracture
- Lateral epicondyle fracture
- Medial epicondyle fracture
- Olecranon fracture
- Radial head fracture
- Salter-Harris fractures
Evaluation
- Consider elbow xray (to rule out fracture)
Management
- Conservative
- Rest
- Ice
- NSAIDs
- Immobilization (often via counterforce brace)
Disposition
- Outpatient