Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Treatment of Patients with Medial Epicondylitis

Background. There  is  not  enough  research  on  the  topic  of  arthroscopic  treatment  of  medial  epicondylitis.  Topographic studies are needed to justify surgical approaches with minimal trauma to the medial collateral ligament and ulnar nerve. The aim of the study was to optimize the arthroscopic treatment of medial epicondylitis and evaluate its clinical effectiveness based on the results of the topographic and anatomical study. Materials and Methods. The material for the topographic and anatomical study was 12 «fresh» anatomical preparations of the human elbow joint, of which 6 were taken from female cadavers, and 6 — from men. The features of the structure and topography of the elbow medial collateral ligament were studied, and the safety and effectiveness of arthroscopic approaches to the elbow for the flexor carpi radialis release were determined. A prospective cohort comparative study was performed, which included 70 patients. Two comparative groups were formed. In the group I (35 patients) surgical treatment was carried out by the open method. The group II included 35 patients who underwent minimally invasive surgical treatment using arthroscopic technique. The results were evaluated by Mayo Elbow Perfomance Score (MEPS) and VAS before surgery and 1, 6, and 9 weeks after. Results. Functional results in 9 weeks: group I — 81.77 (95% CI 81.13; 82.41); group II — 92.66 (95% CI 91.61–93.70) points. The average score for VAS in the same period: group I — 34.30 (31.89–36.68) points; group II — 1.5 (0.46–2.45) points. Conclusion. The safe zone is located above the midline of the humeroulnaris joint by 2 (1.0–3.2) mm. The risk of the medial ulnar collateral ligament anterior bundle injury is minimal in this area. Treatment of patients with the medial epicondylitis according to the developed arthroscopic technique can significantly improve the patients functional state and quality of life.