lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

Question 1

what is it?

Answer 1

overuse injury of the hand, especially finger extensor tendons which originates in the lateral humeral epicondyle

Question 2

what causes it?

Answer 2

forearm extensor overuse, repeated or excessive pronation/supination and extension of wrist

Question 3

what is the pathophysiology?

Answer 3

micro-tears in the common extensor origin

Question 4

what are the symptoms?

Answer 4

characterised by pain and tenderness over the lateral epicondyle to the attachment of the forearm
pain worse when stretching the muscles
pain radiates down posterior forearm

Question 5

what are the signs?

Answer 5

flex elbow to 90 degrees in pronation, pain on resisted middle finger and wrist extension

Question 6

what are the investigations?

Answer 6

mainly clinical
USS and MRI required is diagnosis uncertain

Question 7

what should be carried out if there are any nerve symptoms?

Answer 7

nerve conduction study