LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS OF THE ELBOW IN ATHLETES.

Lateral epicondylitis, or "tennis elbow," is a common musculotendinous degenerative disorder of the extensor origin at the lateral humeral epicondyle. Represents a cause of temporary or even long-term interruption of professional activity. Objectives. Repetitive occupational or athletic activities involving wrist extension and supination are thought to be causative. The typical symptoms include lateral elbow pain, pain with wrist extension, and weakened grip strength. The diagnosis is made clinically through history and physical examination; however, a thorough understanding of the differential diagnosis is imperative to prevent unnecessary testing and therapies. Most patients improve with nonoperative measures, such as activity modification, physical therapy, and injections. A small percentage of patients will require surgical release of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon. Common methods of release may be performed via percutaneous, arthroscopic, or open approaches. Methods of research. A number of 30 patients with this type of tendonitis were studied. The only detectable cause was overuse of the elbow joint by repeated pronosupinatory movements. The initial treatment was exclusively through physical therapy and physical rest. After 14 days we found that 10 patients had complete remission of symptoms. Injectable treatment was required for 18 patients corticosteroid infiltrates (betamethasone or triamcinolone acetonide) associated with PRP to 7 of them. Minimally invasive percutaneous surgery was required in 2 patients. Conclusions. Early recognition of that condition followed by physical therapy/kinetotherapy can lead to complete remission of symptoms and rapid reintegration into sports or professional activity of the person. Delayed presentation to a specialist can lead to invasive treatments such as surgery, that can compromise the skills or even sports or professional performance of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]