Konservative und operative Therapie der Epikondylitiden

The present review covers epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects as well as the different treatment options for patients with epicondylitis of the elbow. It is important to exclude the different pathologies that could mimic epicondylitis. Only for a few conservative treatment modalities is there good evidence in the literature. A reduction in the activities of daily life or the athletic activities in combination with local or systemic NSAIDs and a short period of immobilization is the first line therapy. If this is not successful, local steroid injection shows good results in the short term and physiotherapy in the long-term follow-up. Extracorporal shock waves also shows good evidence. In some patients local botulinum toxin can be beneficial. Arthroscopic surgical management has results similar to open conventional surgery with the additional advantage of intraarticular inspection.