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The epidemiology and health care burden of tennis elbow: a population-based study.
- Source :
-
The American journal of sports medicine [Am J Sports Med] 2015 May; Vol. 43 (5), pp. 1066-71. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Feb 05. - Publication Year :
- 2015
-
Abstract
- Background: Lateral elbow tendinosis (epicondylitis) is a common condition both in primary care and specialty clinics.<br />Purpose: To evaluate the natural history (ie, incidence, recurrence, and progression to surgery) of lateral elbow tendinosis in a large population.<br />Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study.<br />Methods: The study population comprised a population-based incidence cohort of patients with new-onset lateral elbow tendinosis between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2012. The medical records of a 10% random sample (n=576) were reviewed to ascertain information on patient and disease characteristics, treatment modalities, recurrence, and progression to surgery. Age- and sex-specific incidence rates were calculated and adjusted to the 2010 US population.<br />Results: The age- and sex-adjusted annual incidence of lateral elbow tendinosis decreased significantly over time from 4.5 per 1000 people in 2000 to 2.4 per 1000 in 2012 (P<.001). The recurrence rate within 2 years was 8.5% and remained constant over time. The proportion of surgically treated cases within 2 years of diagnosis tripled over time, from 1.1% during the 2000-2002 time period to 3.2% after 2009 (P<.00001). About 1 in 10 patients with persistent symptoms at 6 months required surgery.<br />Conclusion: The decrease in incidence of lateral elbow tendinosis may represent changes in diagnosis patterns or a true decrease in disease incidence. Natural history data can be used to help guide patients and providers in determining the most appropriate course at a given time in the disease process. The study data suggest that patients without resolution after 6 months of onset may have a prolonged disease course and may need surgical intervention.<br /> (© 2015 The Author(s).)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1552-3365
- Volume :
- 43
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The American journal of sports medicine
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 25656546
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546514568087