Study on the effect of extra capsular arthroscopy plus analgesic tincture in the treatment of external humeral epicondylitis

Abstract

External humeral epicondylitis (EHE) is an inflammation and pain of the lateral tendons of the elbow with poor clinical efficacy. In this study, we aim to observe the effect of extra capsular arthroscopy (ECA) plus Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) analgesic tincture in the treatment of EHE. A retrospective analysis was performed on the follow-up data of 58 patients with intractable EHE treated by ECA plus TCM analgesic tincture over 2 years from January 2017 to October 2018. All patients were followed up during the operation, with a mean follow-up duration of 17.6 months. There were no complications such as infection, nerve injury, wound nonunion and joint stiffness. The postoperative and pronation angles were statistically different from preoperative. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score during rest and movement of the elbow joint after operation was significantly different from that before operation. Postoperative Mayo elbow joint function score was significantly different from preoperative. Postoperative elbow joint function and brachial and shoulder dysfunction scores were statistically significant compared with those before surgery. Postoperative elbow joint function and brachial and shoulder dysfunction scores were statistically significant compared with those before surgery. The satisfaction rate of patients was 100%, with 52 cases of completely satisfied, 6 cases of basically satisfied and no dissatisfied cases. The curative effect of external capsular arthroscopy plus analgesic tincture in the treatment of external humeral epicondylitis was promising, which was worthy of clinical promotion.