OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results in patients with lateral epicondylitis surgically treated by the arthroscopy technique. METHODS: Twenty patients were submitted to surgery by the arthroscopic technique. Age ranged from 19 to 54 years (average 41 years and eight months). Twelve (60%) of the patients were female and eight (40%) male. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months and the maximum period, 48 months, with an average of 20 months. All the cases were refractory to conservative treatment (rest and physiotherapy), with previous clinical treatment times varying ranging from six to 136 months. For the evaluation of the results, we used the criteria of the American Medical Association (AMA), modified by Bruce. RESULTS: We obtained 13 (65%) excellent results and seven (13%) regular results, with just one complication (reflex sympathetic dystrophy). This was the only patient who reported dissatisfaction. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment by arthroscopy of the lateral epicondylitis of the elbow represents a good option in 65% of cases.
Arthroscopy; Tennis elbow; Outcome assessment
