Elbow tendinopathy: tennis elbow

The pathoanatomy of overuse tendinopathy is noninflammatory angiofibroblastic tendinosis. The areas of elbow abnormality are specific, including the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) complex laterally, the pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis medially, and triceps posteriorly. The goals of nonoperative treatment are to revitalize the unhealthy, pain-producing tendinosis tissue. The key to nonoperative treatment is rehabilitative resistance exercise with progression of the exercise program. If rehabilitation fails, the surgical interventions as described are highly successful.