顽固性肱骨外上髁炎的外科治疗

目的探讨顽固性肱骨外上髁炎的手术治疗效果。方法2007年1月至2009年12月,我科采用局部麻醉下Nirschl改良手术治疗顽固性肱骨外上髁炎21例,术后通过VAS疼痛评分和Nirschl＆Pettrone分级评估患肘疼痛和功能改善情况。结果21例患者平均随访时问23．6个月。VAS疼痛评分术前休息时为6．21,日常活动时7．10,体育活动时8．76;术后休息时为0．83,日常活动时1．46,体育活动时2．22。术前、术后两者比较差异均有统计学意义。术后Nirschl＆Pettrone肘关节功能分级优13例,良7例,中1例,优良率95．2％。1例患者术后出现肘关节囊壁破裂后关节滑液积聚形成的皮下囊性肿胀,局部麻醉下行关节囊修复后肿胀消失。结论外科治疗顽固性肱骨外上髁炎可以有效改善肘关节疼痛和恢复关节活动,手术效果好。     

Platelet rich plasma versus laser therapy in lateral epicondylitis of elbow

Background:

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) extract has shown to be a general stimulation for repair and currently used widely in various sports injury. A prospective observational study was done to assess the efficacy of autologous PRP injection in lateral epicondylitis of elbow, and compare the result with low level laser therapy.

Materials and Methods:

The trial was conducted at a tertiary care center for a period of 2 years. Eighty-one patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis were divided into two groups. PRP group (n = 39) and laser therapy group (n = 42). The primary analysis included Nirschl pain score, local tenderness, pain on wrist extension, grip strength, elbow swelling were clinically assessed at different interval of followup (minimum followup: 52 weeks) and; clinical and functional outcome evaluated at final followup. The statistical analysis were done.

Results:

The mean Nirschl pain score decreased significantly from baseline in PRP when compared with low level laser therapy (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions:

Treatment of patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis with PRP extract reduced pain and significantly increased function, exceeding the effect of low level laser therapy on long term followup. Low-level laser therapy is better in the short term period, but on long term followup injection PRP therapy is better than laser therapy in lateral epicondylitis.     

蛇床子素对新生大鼠成骨细胞增殖的影响及相关机制研究

目的:探讨改良Nirschl术式治疗顽固性肱骨外上髁炎的临床疗效.方法:2009年3月至2011年1月,共收治顽固性单纯肱骨外上髁炎21例(21肘),男8例,女13例;年龄25～59岁,平均(48.3±13.4)岁;优势侧16例,非优势侧5例.发病时间8～33个月,平均(17.1±7.7)个月,患者均接受过多种非手术治疗.采用小切口下桡侧腕短伸肌腱起点清理术,即改良Nirschl术式进行治疗,病变涉及指总伸肌腱者予以指总伸肌腱病变部分切除.术后切口部位冰敷2d,石膏托行肘关节制动1周后开始肘部力量和活动度锻炼,腕关节制动2周后行手部和腕部活动度和力量锻炼及正常日常活动.术后随访记录患者休息疼痛情况、手部握力和患者满意度,根据Verhaar网球肘疗效评分评价恢复情况.结果:21例失访4例,17例术后获得随访,时间13～22个月,平均16.3个月.根据Verhaar网球肘疗效评价,结果仇15例,良2例,无肘关节不稳定等并发症出现.结论:单纯顽固性肱骨外上髁炎可通过行改良Nirschl术式取得良好疗效,其关键在于对并发疾病的排除和准确诊断,以及术中病变组织准确切除.     

Mini-open Muscle Resection Procedure under Local Anesthesia for Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis

Background

This study examined the clinical results of surgical treatment using a mini-open muscle resection procedure under local anesthesia for intractable lateral or medial epicondylitis.

Methods

Forty two elbows (41 patients) were treated surgically for lateral or medial epicondylitis. The indication for surgery was refractory pain after six months of conservative treatment, or a history of more than three local injections of steroid, or severe functional impairment in the occupational activities. The treatment results were assessed in terms of the pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Roles & Maudsley score, and Nirschl & Pettrone grade.

Results

The preoperative VAS scores of pain were an average of 5.36 at rest, 6.44 at daily activities, and 8.2 at sports or occupational activities. After surgery, the VAS scores improved significantly (p < 0.01): 0.3 at rest, 1.46 at daily activities, and 2.21 at sports or occupational activities. The preoperative Roles & Maudsley score was acceptable in 6 cases, and poor in 36 cases, which was changed to excellent in 23 cases, good in 16 cases, acceptable in 3 cases after surgery. According to the grading system by Nirschl & Pettrone, 23 cases were excellent, 18 cases were good, and the remaining 1 case was fair. Overall, 41 cases (97.6%) achieved satisfactory results. Postoperative complications were encountered in three cases. Subcutaneous seroma due to the leakage of joint fluid in two patients was managed by additional surgery and suction drainage, and resulted in a satisfactory outcome. One patient complained of continuous pain on occupational activity, but her pain at rest was improved greatly.

Conclusions

The mini-open muscle resection procedure under local anesthesia appears to be one of effective methods for intractable lateral or medial epicondylitis.     

Nirschl手术治疗顽固性网球肘:切开与关节镜手术比较

目的 比较切开和关节镜手术治疗顽固性网球肘的临床疗效.方法 2006年5月至2008年9月连续收治顽固性网球肘患者26例(28例肘),手术时患者平均年龄45岁(32～62岁),保守治疗时间为23个月(4～60个月).手术方式以Nirschl术为原则,按照随机表随机分为切开组(13例13肘)和关节镜组(13例15肘).采用VAS疼痛评分、Mayo功能评分、肘关节综合评分、重返工作和运动时间、满意度等评价患者术后效果.结果 26例患者均获随访,随访时间4～32个月,平均17.4个月.两组术后效果比较,在VAS疼痛评分中的静息和日常活动评分、综合评分、重返工作和运动时间、满意度及术后效果评价等级方面,两组均无显著差异.而在VAS评分的运动评分及Mayo功能评分中,切开组优于关节镜组.切开组满意或部分满意患者100%,关节镜组86.7%.切开组优良率100%,关节镜组93.3%.术后未发现严重并发症.结论 切开和关节镜手术均是治疗顽固性网球的有效方法,切开手术在术后恢复运动等肘关节功能方面优于关节镜手术,可能与切开术中有更多伸肌腱裂口被缝合有关.     

Tendinosis of the extensor carpi radialis brevis: an evaluation of three methods of operative treatment

Many procedures have been described for treating lateral epicondylitis with good success. The purpose of this report is to compare 3 operative methods for treatment of recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis-open, arthroscopic, and percutaneous. All patients with lateral epicondylitis who were operated on over a 7-year period were retrospectively reviewed. A minimum of 3 months of conservative care before surgery had failed in these patients, and they had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Concomitant pathology, complications, and necessary further care were noted. The outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with the Andrews-Carson score and visual analog scale scores for pain at rest, worst pain, and pain with activity. We included 109 patients in the study: 24 percutaneous, 44 arthroscopic, and 41 open procedures. The mean duration of conservative care was 13.2 months, including 2.5 conservative measures and 1.35 cortisone injections. The mean follow-up was 47.8 months. The preoperative Andrews-Carson score was 160.3. The postoperative Andrews-Carson score was 195. There was a statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative Andrews-Carson scores for each of the groups. There were no significant differences among the populations regarding age, gender, dominance, conservative measures used, cortisone injections, recurrences, complications, failures, visual analog scale scores, and preoperative and postoperative Andrews-Carson scores. In addition, no difference in outcome scores was noted when intraarticular and concomitant pathology was addressed in comparison to the population in which tendinosis alone was addressed. Open, arthroscopic, and percutaneous treatments of lateral epicondylitis offer 3 highly effective ways for the clinician to address this common clinical problem.     

自体血注射联合吲哚美辛巴布膏治疗顽固性网球肘的临床疗效观察

目的观察自体血注射联合吲哚美辛巴布膏治疗顽固性网球肘的临床疗效。方法顽固性网球肘患者90例,采用数字表法将90例患者随机分为观察组(45例,自体血注射联合吲哚美辛巴布膏)和对照组(45例,局部封闭)。观察两组患者治疗前及治疗后不同时期疼痛程度和肘关节功能变化。采用视觉模拟评分法(visual analogue scale,VAS)、Mayo肘关节功能评分(Mayo elbow performance score,MEPS)和Nirschl分级评分评定治疗效果。结果观察组治疗后VAS评分、Nirschl分级评分和MEPS评分T1、T2和T3与治疗前T0比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。对照组治疗后VAS评分T1、T2与治疗前T0比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);Nirschl分级评分T1和T2与治疗前T0比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);MEPS评分T1与治疗前T0比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组治疗后VAS评分、Nirschl分级评分和MEPS评分T2、T3与对照组T2、T3比较,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论两组患者近期疗效均稳定,自体血注射联合吲哚美辛巴布膏治疗顽固性网球肘的中远期疗效明显优于局部封闭治疗。     

Management of lateral epicondylitis: current concepts

Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, is a common cause of elbow pain in the general population. Traditionally, lateral epicondylitis has been attributed to degeneration of the extensor carpi radialis brevis origin, although the underlying collateral ligamentous complex and joint capsule also have been implicated. Nonsurgical treatment, the mainstay of management, involves a myriad of options, including rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, cortisone, blood and botulinum toxin injections, supportive forearm bracing, and local modalities. For patients with recalcitrant disease, the traditional open débridement technique has been modified by multiple surgeons, with others relying on arthroscopic or even percutaneous procedures. Without a standard protocol (nonsurgical or surgical), surgeons need to keep abreast of established and evolving treatment options to effectively treat patients with lateral epicondylitis.     

Editorial Commentary: Elbow Lateral Epicondylitis Treatment Using Platelet-Rich Plasma

The best treatment for elbow lateral epicondylitis is controversial. Multiple treatment interventions are used commonly, including physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, bracing, acupuncture, ultrasound-guided percutaneous tenotomy, open or arthroscopic surgical debridement, and recently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or autologous blood injections. Patients in whom more traditional conservative measures have failed may benefit from PRP injections, although long-term outcomes after such injections are unclear. The complication rates of PRP injections are low. One PRP injection, if successful, could be a cost-effective alternative to surgery, but multiple injections are often recommended and third-party payers have historically rarely paid those medical claims, thus placing an increased financial burden on the patient.     

Extacorporeal shock wave therapy unsuccessful for chronic medial epicondylitis

Medial epicondylitis is a chronic noninflammatory condition resulting from mechanical injury. Despite many treatment options, including rest, medications, physiotherapy and operative interventions, the results are too often poor; thus new treatment options are sought. We treated 4 men with chronic epicondylitis (5 affected joints) with extracorporeal shock wave therapy after failed attempts of other treatments. The patients’ complaints were graded with the Nirschl scoring system prior to and six months after therapy. The treatment consisted of three sessions, at 20-day intervals, of 3000 pulses of ultrasonic shock waves from a Piezolith 3000 unit (energy dosage was gradually increased to reach step 10 equaling 0.9 mJ/mm²). At the 6-month follow-up, no patient was pain free. Three cases had slightly lower Nirschl scores than prior to the procedure but the patients rated this difference as insignificant; two cases were unchanged. No complications were observed but all patients rated the procedure as very unpleasant. The well recognized biologic effects of ultrasonographic waves (heat generation, oscillations, cavitation, etc.) that result in functional and structural changes of cellular membranes with sonochemical reactions (acceleration of normal metabolism, oxygenation and reduction in water solutions, polymer degradation, etc.), even if present in our cases, did not result in a noticeable decrease of symptoms, even though we used high energy and more impulses per session. Significant variations in methodology make inconclusive the results of numerous reports on the use of extracorporeal shock waves in epicondylar degenerative problems, although ineffectiveness of such therapy is the conclusion of a review by Haake and colleagues.     

Reliability of a patient-rated forearm evaluation questionnaire for patients with lateral epicondylitis.

PURPOSE: To determine the reliability of a questionnaire designed to assess forearm pain and function in patients with lateral epicondylitis. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with unilateral lateral epicondylitis completed a patient-related forearm evaluation questionnaire (PRFEQ) on two occasions. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC 2,1), standard error of measurement (SEM), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined for the whole group and for three subgroup comparisons of male vs. female subjects, subacute vs. chronic lateral epicondylitis, and work-related vs. non-work-related lateral epicondylitis. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability for the overall PRFEQ (ICC, 0.89), and its pain (ICC, 0.89) and function (ICC, 0.83) subscales was excellent. Test-retest reliability for patients with work-related lateral epicondylitis (ICC, 0.80) was significantly (p = 0.018) less than for patients with non-work-related lateral epicondylitis (ICC, 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: The PRFEQ can provide a simple, quick, and reliable estimate of arm pain and function in patients with lateral epicondylitis. However, large SEM and 95% CIs limit its ability to accurately predict individual scores.     

肘关节后外侧旋转不稳定韧带损伤的载线影像学特点研究

目的 ：探讨肘关节外侧韧带复合体对肘关节后外侧旋转不稳定的作用及韧带损伤时肘关节侧位X线影像学中桡肱率变化特点。方法：取冷冻保存的新鲜成人肘关节标本20侧,将标本制成肘关节＂骨-韧带＂标本,随机分为两组。利用自行设计的维持肘关节后外侧旋转活动度的设备固定标本,A组按次序切断外侧结构：A1组,外侧韧带完整的标本组;A2组,切断桡侧尺副韧带组;A3组,增加切断环状韧带组;A4组,最后切断桡侧副韧带组。B组分为：B1组,外侧韧带完整的标本组;B2组,切断桡侧副韧带组;B3组,再切断环状韧带组;B4组,最后切断桡侧尺副韧带组。分别摄肘关节侧位X线片,在PACS系统中测量桡肱率,比较各组的差异,并统计分析。结果：A组,统计分析各组数据,各组间桡肱率增加差异有统计学意义。B组,统计分析前2次切断韧带,各组间桡肱率增加差异无统计学意义。切断桡侧尺副韧带（B4组）,与前3组比较差异有统计学意义。结论：桡侧尺副韧带是限制肘关节后外侧旋转脱位的主要结构,环状韧带、桡侧副韧带为次要结构;并根据肘关节后外侧旋转不稳定X线影像学特点将其分为4个等级。     

自体富含血小板血浆与全血痛点注射治疗网球肘的病例对照研究

目的 ：比较自体富含血小板血浆与全血注射治疗网球肘的临床疗效。方法 ：2011年1月至2014年1月,门诊诊治慢性网球肘患者40例,分成两组,每组20例。一组给予自体富含血小板血浆痛点注射（PRP组）,男5例,女15例;平均年龄（47.50±9.86）岁;平均病程（4.67±3.27）个月。另一组给予自体全血痛点注射（AWB组）,男3例,女17例;平均年龄（46.50±9.96）岁;平均病程（4.53±2.27）个月。注射后给予肘关节弹力绷带制动,指导患者行伸展及力量锻炼。术后即刻及术后4、8周采用疼痛视觉模拟评分（visual analog scale,VAS）、Mayo肘关节评分及压痛阈值（pressure pain threshold,PPT）进行疗效评价。结果 ：全部患者获得随访,未发现相关并发症。VAS、Mayo评分及PPT值,PRP组分别由治疗前7.22±1.32、56.71±10.90和17.47±4.62改善至治疗后8周的2.73±1.00、91.59±6.95和21.35±4.80;AWB组分别由治疗前7.16±1.89、54.72±8.36和17.06±4.83改善至治疗后8周的3.81±1.36、82.06±7.89和20.12±4.97。两组治疗后4周评分均优于治疗前。治疗后4周,两组间PPT比较,差异无统计学意义;VAS、Mayo评分比较,AWB组低于PRP组。治疗后8周,AWB组VAS高于PRP组,Mayo评分及PPT均低于PRP组。结论：自体富含血小板血浆痛点注射治疗网球肘较自体全血痛点注射方法在疼痛缓解和功能改善方面疗效更好且持久。     

The Effect of Corticosteroid Local Injection Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis in Obese Patients: A Single-Blind,Randomized Clinical Trial

Chronic plantar heel pain (CPHP) is one of the most common painful and disabling foot conditions, for which various treatments have been proposed. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of local injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) compared with the conventional method of local corticosteroid injection in obese patients who were resistant to other nonsurgical treatments. In this single-blind, randomized clinical trial, 32 obese patients with chronic plantar heel pain were randomly allocated to 2 groups of 16 participants each. In 1 group, 40 mg of dimethylprednisolone was injected once into the painful heel, whereas the other group received 3 separate injections of PRP, with each injection administered 1 week apart. The groups were compared at baseline and at 24 weeks after the injection, or course of injections, was administered. Exposures, total morning pain, and foot function index were not statistically significantly different between the groups at baseline; however, at 24 weeks after the treatment, final pain and morning pain scores were statistically significantly (p < .001) better in the corticosteroid group, and the mean foot function index scores were 65.4 ± 3.2 and 58.3 ± 2.9 (p < .001) in patients treated with corticosteroid and PRP, respectively. In obese patients with plantar fasciitis, injection with corticosteroid was more effective than PRP at reducing pain and improving function.     

Therapy for chronic radial epicondylitis with botulinum toxin A

AIM: Chronic radial epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is not a serious disease but patients may suffer greatly. If standard conservative and possibly operative treatment modalities have not been effective, patients need further therapy. First trials with injection of Botulinum toxin A (Btx A) have shown promising results. The purpose of the study was to clarify if a single injection of Btx A could be an efficient therapy for chronic radial epicondylitis. METHODS: In this study 16 patients received injections into the forearm extensors. The site of injection was determined by local tenderness and pain provocation on finger and wrist extension. RESULTS: A significant clinical improvement was already seen at 2 weeks following injection. The effect was noted up to the last follow-up at 2 years. Continuous and maximal pain during the last 48 h, as self-assessed on a visual analogue scale, was also significantly reduced. In a few cases a significant decrease of muscle strength was seen for the third finger two weeks after injection. It slowly returned thereafter. CONCLUSION: A single injection of Btx A was effective as therapy for chronic tennis elbow. It can be carried out in an out-patient setting, and allows the patient to continue working.     

Pulsed radiofrequency on radial nerve under ultrasound guidance for treatment of intractable lateral epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis is a painful and functionally limiting disorder. Although lateral elbow pain is generally self-limiting, in a minority of people symptoms persist for a long time. When various conservative treatments fail, surgical approach is recommended. Surgical denervation of several nerves that innervate the lateral humeral epicondyle could be considered in patients with refractory pain because it denervates the region of pain. Pulsed radiofrequency is a minimally invasive procedure that improves chronic pain when applied to various neural tissues without causing any significant destruction and painful complication. This procedure is safe, minimally invasive, and has less risk of complications relatively compared to the surgical approach. The radial nerve can be identified as a target for pulsed radiofrequency lesioning in lateral epicondylitis. This innovative method of pulsed radiofrequency applied to the radial nerve has not been reported before. We reported on two patients with intractable lateral epicondylitis suffering from elbow pain who did not respond to nonoperative treatments, but in whom the ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency neuromodulation of the radial nerve induced symptom improvement. After a successful diagnostic nerve block, radiofrequency probe adjustment around the radial nerve was performed on the lateral aspect of the distal upper arm under ultrasound guidance and multiple pulsed treatments were applied. A significant reduction in pain was reported over the follow-up period of 12 weeks.     

The posterolateral plica: a cause of refractory lateral elbow pain

Lateral epicondylitis is one of the most common upper extremity pain syndromes. We report the results of patients in whom conservative treatment was unsuccessful and who were finally treated arthroscopically for symptomatic plicae. Ten patients (mean age, 40 years [range, 18-60 years]) who were misdiagnosed as having lateral epicondylitis were included in this study. Examination revealed the site of maximal tenderness to be posterior to the lateral epicondyle and centered at the posterior radiocapitellar joint. Preoperatively, all patients received conservative treatment (physical therapy or corticosteroid injections [or both]). The mean follow-up was 25 months (range, 6-68 months). The mean score on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire was 9 (range, 0-37). Preoperatively, 7 patients had full elbow range of motion; however, in 3 patients, there was a loss of extension at the elbow ranging from 7 degrees to 20 degrees preoperatively. The range of elbow motion was full in all patients postoperatively. No patient demonstrated posterolateral pain after the operation. Synovial plicae of the elbow may be the cause of lateral elbow pain in patients with vague clinical symptoms. Arthroscopic management may provide a successful treatment option for such patients.     

Use of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of refractory jumper’s knee

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of multiple platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections on the healing of chronic refractory patellar tendinopathy after previous classical treatments have failed. We treated 15 patients affected by chronic jumper’s knee, who had failed previous nonsurgical or surgical treatments, with multiple PRP injections and physiotherapy. We also compared the clinical outcome with a homogeneous group of 16 patients primarily treated exclusively with the physiotherapy approach. Multiple PRP injections were performed on three occasions two weeks apart into the site of patellar tendinopathy. Tegner, EQ VAS and pain level were used for clinical evaluation before, at the end of the treatment and at six months follow-up. Complications, functional recovery and patient satisfaction were also recorded. A statistically significant improvement in all scores was observed at the end of the PRP injections in patients with chronic refractory patellar tendinopathy and a further improvement was noted at six months, after physiotherapy was added. Moreover, comparable results were obtained with respect to the less severe cases in the EQ VAS score and pain level evaluation, as in time to recover and patient satisfaction, with an even higher improvement in the sport activity level achieved in the PRP group. The clinical results are encouraging, indicating that PRP injections have the potential to promote the achievement of a satisfactory clinical outcome, even in difficult cases with chronic refractory tendinopathy after previous classical treatments have failed.     

Randomized prospective evaluation of injection techniques for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis is a commonly made diagnosis for general practitioners and orthopedic surgeons. Corticosteroid injection is a mainstay of early treatment. However, conflicting evidence exists to support the use of steroid injection, and no evidence in the literature supports an injection technique. Nineteen patients diagnosed with acute lateral epicondylitis were evaluated to compare the peppered- and single-injection techniques using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, visual analog score (VAS), and grip strength. For elbows with a single injection, mean grip strength increased from 22.9 to 27.8 (P=.053), mean VAS pain score decreased from 4.8 to 3.6 (P=.604), and mean DASH score decreased from 2.6 to 1.8 points (P=.026). For elbows with peppered injections, mean grip strength increased from 28.7 to 32.8 (P=.336), mean VAS pain scores decreased from 3.7 to 2.3 (P=.386), and mean DASH score decreased from 2.6 to 1.3 (P=.008).No studies have directly compared the peppered-injection technique to the single-injection technique. Our results suggest that patient outcome is improved with the single injection. The biomechanical or chemical reason for the distinction is yet unknown, but we postulate that the peppered technique may actually further damage the already compromised tendon. The theory that the peppered injection stimulates blood flow may be overestimated or false. Histochemical studies of the pathologic tissue must be performed to further delineate the reason for improved outcomes with the single-injection technique.