Treatment of resistant lateral epicondylitis of the elbow by lengthening of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon.

Resistant lateral epicondylitis remains a difficult therapeutic problem. Lengthening of the extensor carpi radialis brevis has proved to be a simple, yet effective, method for treating this problem. Sixteen of the 18 patients in our series are asymptomatic and rated as having excellent results. The result in one patient is rated as good. The one failure in retrospect represented poor patient selection. The results we obtained support the original conclusions of another investigator that this simple surgical approach to the problem can give lasting relief. The procedure can be done on an ambulatory outpatient basis. Minimal postoperative restrictions are involved, and this procedure is appealing in terms of time of disability and cost.