Sonographic Examination of Lateral Epicondylitis

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Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to describe the sonographic appearance of the common extensor origin in cadavers and asymptomatic volunteers, and to relate this appearance to the findings in patients with lateral epicondylitis.SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Seventy-two elbows in 71 patients with lateral epicondylitis were examined on sonography. Most of the patients (60/71) gave a history of repetitive microtrauma. The injuries were evaluated with respect to location and severity. Focal areas of degeneration, discrete cleavage tears, and involvement of the lateral collateral ligament were identified. Calcification and bony changes were noted. The appearance of the normal common extensor tendon was described, and cadaveric specimens were dissected. Twenty-one patients subsequently underwent surgery.RESULTS. The normal common extensor origin is composed of longitudinal fibrils bound closely with the extensor carpi radialis brevis constituting most of the deep fibers, with the extensor digitorum making up th...