Comparative study of functional outcomes of open versus arthroscopic surgery of lateral epicondylitis in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Lateral epicondylitis, a degenerative tendinopathy due to microtears in extensor tendons caused by repeated pronation-supination is commonly managed NSAIDS, physiotherapy, local steroid injections and braces. Although most are self limited, some recalcitrant cases lead chronic pain reduction quality of life. Surgical management open or arthroscopic means viable option but there gap knowledge current literature regarding superiority one over the other.Methods: A total 32 patients with lateral epicondylitis admitted from March 2019 August 2020 were enrolled randomized into two groups, receiving either debridement diseased carpi radialis longus, brevis communis. Patients assessed for pain, functional outcome complications 6 month follow-up.Results: VAS score DASH improved all after surgery was no difference between groups. mean duration significantly longer arthroscopy, time return work shorter this group (p<0.001). Difference complication rate not statistically significant.Conclusions: Based on study, surgical both equally effective terms patient satisfaction; arthroscopy however shows an earlier work. Either can be chosen depending available skill, equipment demands.