Abstract
We compared decompression of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) and lengthening of the distal tendon of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) for treatment of tennis elbow in a randomised trial of 28 patients. Fourteen underwent decompression of PIN and 14, lengthening of ERCB. The groups did not differ significantly with regard to age, sex and work activities. The average duration of preoperative symptoms was 23 months. The PIN was exposed in the groove between the brachioradialis and brachialis muscles and decompressed at the arcade of Frohse by means of a 1–2 cm incision through the supinator muscle. The ECRB tendon was lengthened by Z-plasty at the dorsilateral aspect of the forearm. No postoperative complications occurred. The outcome after the primary operation was successful in 50% of the PIN group and in 43% of the ECRB group. Four of the 5 patients with a poor outcome were reoperated in the former group and 3 in the latter. The overall outcome after a mean follow-up of 31 months after the primary operation was successful in 60% of the cases.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 30 August 2000
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Leppilahti, J., Raatikainen, T., Pienimäki, T. et al. Surgical treatment of resistant tennis elbow . Arch Orth Traum Surg 121, 329–332 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004020000248
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004020000248