Open versus Arthroscopic in Management of Tennis Elbow. A Systematic Review

Abstract

Our systematic review and meta-analysis found that the most relevant conclusion from the current study is that there is a significant difference between the 2 operative techniques when examining VAS score for pain, grip strength, DASH score and time to return to work in favor of arthroscopic technique. While the arthroscopic surgery had a longer surgical time than the open technique. Additionally, it was found that the complication rates, range of motion and failure rates were similar between the arthroscopic and the open technique. We recommend arthroscopic management as the best mean for early return to work, better functional outcomes (grip strength) and achieving a pain-free outcome in the long term if the facilities were available. For future investigators, it would be useful to perform more randomized clinical study directly comparing open and arthroscopic techniques, including assessment of pain and functional scores in the early postoperative period and long follow up, and to further evaluate differences in the cost among the various techniques.