Lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) reconstruction for the treatment of recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis of the elbow: A comparison with open debridement of the extensor origin

Abstract Background Based on the controversy over whether the extensor tendon is the only lesion of lateral epicondylitis of the elbow and numerous reports of concomitant lateral collateral ligament involvement, potential damage to the lateral collateral ligament complex should be considered for the treatment. Methods 25 elbows in 23 patients (debridement group) and 22 elbows in 20 patients (reconstruction group) who were diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis and had an average of 22 months of symptoms revealing anatomical lesion on MRI were included. The capitellum-sublime tubercle-radial head (CSR) angle was measured on both sides preoperatively, and the visual analog scale (VAS) and Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) were measured over 12 months postoperatively. Results The initial preoperative mean VAS was statistically significant with 4.6 in the debridement group and 6.5 in the reconstruction group (p Conclusions In the surgical treatment of recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis, LUCL reconstruction added to the debridement of extensor origin may provide better results for the patients with suspicious lateral ligament insufficiency or failed previous surgery. Level of evidence Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison; Treatment Study