Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow

Definition

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitisis a painful condition of the elbow caused by over use of the forearm muscles and tendons arounds the lateral epicondyle.

Causes

·  Repetitive stressand over use of wrist extensors.

·  Sports: tennis, badminton, squash.

·  Occupation: Carpenter, Typing, painting.

·   Improper Technique in Activities.

·   Weak shoulder andwrist muscle.  

Symptoms

-  Pain and tenderness on the outer elbow.

-   Pain increase with gripping or lifting.

-   Stiffness in elbow joint.

-   Weak grip strength.

-   Pain radiating down forearm.

Diagnosis

1.  Clinical examination.

2.  Medical History

3.  Physiotherapy special test [Cozen’s test]

4.  X-Ray, MRI, Ultrasound

Prevention

·    Warm up and stretch before sports.

·    Use proper technique and equipment.

·    Strength enforearm muscle.

·    Avoid repetitive stress or take breaks during work.

Treatment

-  Rest and activity modification

-  Ice therapy

-  Medication

-  Physiotherapy

-  Corticosteroids[in severe case]

-  NON-Surgical and Surgical Treatment

"At Bankers Vascular Hospital, we provide advanced non-surgical treatment through TAME.

"What is Trans arterial Micro embolization (TAME)?

TAME is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure where a radiologist uses a catheter to block abnormal tiny arteries (neo-vessels) around the elbow that are associated with chronic inflammation and pain in tennis elbow.

How It Works:

1.    Abnormal blood vessels(neovascularization) grow in the tendon region in chronic tennis elbow, alongwith pain-mediating nerves.

2.  These vessels and nerves are believed to perpetuate pain and inflammation.

3.  In TAME:

o  A micro catheter is inserted through an artery in the groin or wrist.

o  Under fluoroscopy(X-ray guidance), the catheter is advanced to the artery supplying the lateral epicondyle.

o  A microsphereembolic agent (like imipenem/cystatin particles or gelatin sponge) isinjected to block these abnormal vessels.

o  This reduces blood flow, nerve irritation, and inflammation.

Benefits:

· Minimally invasive (no incision at the elbow).

· Outpatient procedure (usually same-day).

· Quickrecovery – patients often return to activity in days to weeks.

·  Reduces chronic pain significantly.

·  May be an option for patients who fail conservative treatment but wish to avoid surgery