Lateral and Medial Epicondylosis

Question 1

What is the underlying mechanism behind epicondylosis?

Answer 1

chronic repetitive overuse causing microtrauma at the tendon insertion

Question 2

Lateral epicondylosis involves the wrist _____, especially what muscle tendon?

Answer 2

extensors

extensor carpi radialis brevis

Question 3

Medial epicondylosis involves the wrist _____, especially what muscle tendon?

Answer 3

flexors

pronator teres

Question 4

Describe lateral epicondylosis patient symptoms

Answer 4

Pain with the arm and wrist extended (shaking hands, lifting objects, hitting a backhand in tennis)

Question 5

Describe medial epicondylosis patient symptoms

Answer 5

Pain during motions in which the arm is repetitively pronated or the wrist is flexed

Question 6

What is lateral epicondylosis aka?

Answer 6

tennis elbow

Question 7

What is medial epicondylosis aka?

Answer 7

golfer’s elbow

Question 8

How is lateral epicondylosis confirmed?

Answer 8

Pain is reproduced over the epicondyle with resisted wrist extension and 3rd digit extension

Question 9

What are the best imaging techniques used to diagnose epicondylosis?

Answer 9

MRI or ultrasound

Question 10

When are MRI or ultrasound indicated?

Answer 10

Only if the patient does not improve after up to 3 months of conservative treatment

Question 11

Describe patient treatment

Answer 11

Usually conservative:

• patient education
• ice
• NSAIDs
• stretching program followed by strengthening

Question 12

A ______ elbow brace may provide some symptomatic relief

Answer 12

counterforce

Question 13

PT and activity modification are more successful than ______ injections

Answer 13

corticosteroid