According to a study recently presented at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Specialty Day in San Diego, surgery may not treat tennis elbow as effectively as previously believed.
Here are four things to know:
1. The study analyzed 13 patients who underwent surgery to remove a degenerated portion of their extension capri radialis brevis compared to 13 patients who only received an incision over their lateral elbow but no surgical repair.
2. Researchers found both groups experienced pain measure improvements by 26 weeks after surgery and no significant differences existed between the two groups after 1 year to 4 years of follow-up.
3. Both groups were treated with ice application, stretching and a strengthening rehab program within two weeks of surgery.
4. Researchers believe continued development of surgical and non-surgical approaches to treat tennis elbow is important and necessary.
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