Epicondylopathia humeri. Indication, technique and clinical results of radiotherapy

Background: The efficacy of radiotherapy for degenerative-inflammatory disorders is well known, but so far long-term observations and reliable assessment of symptoms according to objective criteria and scores for validation are still missing. Results: Forty-three patients (ot totally 85)(50 elbows of totally 93) achieved 'complete pain relief (CR)' in all pain categories: 59% elbows with pain at strain had 'complete pain relief', 79% with pain at night, 84% with permanent pain, 80% with pain at rest and 81% with pain at initiation or morning stiffness. Nineteen elbows gained 'major pain relief (PR)', i.e. had minor symptoms (maximum grade 1) in all categories. Thus, a total of 69 (74%) elbows responded to radiotherapy. Seventeen patients (19 elbows) were operated because of persistent symptoms or dissatisfaction in long-term follow-up; 7 of those became completely free of symptoms. The Morrey-Score improved by a mean of 18 points from 78 prior to radiotherapy to 96 points at last follow-up. According to the Morrey-Score only 2 patients became worse in long-term follow-up. Two parameters indicated a negative prognosis in multivariate analysis: Long symptom duration prior to radiotherapy and immobilisation with plaster (p<0.05). Conclusions: Radiotherapy for refractory epicondylopathia humeri is highly effective. Long symptom duration and long-term immobilisation by plaster are negative prognostic factors for treatment outcome. Due to the low side effects and treatment costs, radiotherapy is a good therapeutic option in comparison to conventional treatment methods and surgery in the chronic stage of epicondylopathia humeri. (orig./VHE)