Lateral epicondylalgia I: epidemiology, pathophysiology, aetiology and natural history

Abstract

This paper deals with the phenomenon of lateral epicondylalgia or tennis elbow. This is a relatively common disorder with a well defined clinical presentation. It has been used extensively as a clinical model in studies evaluating the nature of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, and the factors contributing to the development of such dysfunction. It might be anticipated that this body of research would have provided a sound understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, aetiology and natural history of this disorder. This paper presents a critical review of the available research which suggests that many questions remain unaddressed or unanswered. Widespread preconceptions such as the widely accepted belief in the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of lateral epicondylalgia may need to be reappraised. Existing research is critiqued and directions for future research including improvements in research methodology are proposed.

Keywords:

• AETIOLOGY
• EPIDEMIOLOGY
• EPICONDYLALGIA
• LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS
• MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN
• NATURAL HISTORY
• PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
• TENNIS ELBOW