[Extracorporeal shockwave therapy of radiohumeral epicondylopathy-- an alternative treatment concept].

During the last 2 years 75 patients referred to our hospital for operation of a persistent tennis elbow were followed prospectively after receiving low-energetic extracorporal shock wave therapy. 3 times in weekly intervals all patients received 1000 impulses of the energy density 0.06 mJ/mm2. Follow-ups were performed at 3, 6, 12, 24 weeks. Statistical analysis showed significant improvement both of subjective and objective criteria. 41 patients became painfree. Only 7 patients decided to have an operation after the 24-weeks-follow-up. Ambulatory shock wave therapy is a considerable alternative before surgical intervention in chronic tennis elbow.