Abstract
Background Lateral epicondylitis is a common orthopaedic condition often massively restricting
the quality of life of the affected patients. There are a wide variety of treatment
options – with varying levels of evidence.
Method The following statements and recommendations are based on the current German S2k
guideline Epicondylopathia radialis humeri (AWMF registry number: 033 – 2019). All
major German specialist societies participated in this guideline, which is based on
a systematic review of the literature and a structured consensus-building process.
Outcomes Lateral epicondylitis should be diagnosed clinically and can be confirmed by imaging
modalities. The Guidelines Commission issues recommendations on clinical and radiological
diagnostic workup. The clinical condition results from the accumulated effect of mechanical
overload, neurologic irritation and metabolic changes. Differentiating between acute
and chronic disorder is helpful. Prognosis of non-surgical regimens is favourable
in most cases. Most cases spontaneously resolve within 12 months. In case of unsuccessful
attempted non-surgical management for at least six months, surgery may be considered
as an alternative, if there is a corresponding structural morphology and clinical
manifestation. At present, it is not possible to recommend a specific surgical procedure.
Conclusion This paper provides a summary of the guideline with extracts of the recommendations
and statements of its authors regarding the pathogenesis, prevention, diagnostic workup
as well as non-surgical and surgical management.
Key words
epicondylopathia humeri radialis - epicondylitis humeri radialis - guideline - diagnostic
workup - prevention elbow pain - lateral epicondylitis - lateral epicondylopathy -
tennis elbow - conservative therapy - surgery
