Stress syndromes of the elbow joint region (golfer's/tennis elbow) - a review of the recent literature

ZWOLSKI, Maciej, PUCHALSKI, Krzysztof, KLOCEK, Konrad, HAJDUK, Aleksandra, MROZEK, Łukasz, KOSTECKI, Bartosz, SZUMLAS, Zuzanna, JUREK, Aleksander and TEKIELAK, Anna. Stress syndromes of the elbow joint region (golfer’s/tennis elbow) - a review of the recent literature. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2023;17(1):193-215. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2023.17.01.017

https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/45681

https://zenodo.org/record/8330294

The journal has had 40 points in Ministry of Education and Science of Poland parametric evaluation. Annex to the announcement of the Minister of Education and Science of December 21, 2021. No. 32343.

Has a Journal's Unique Identifier: 201159. Scientific disciplines assigned: Physical Culture Sciences (Field of Medical sciences and health sciences); Health Sciences (Field of Medical Sciences and Health Sciences).

Punkty Ministerialne z 2019 - aktualny rok 40 punktów. Załącznik do komunikatu Ministra Edukacji i Nauki z dnia 21 grudnia 2021 r. Lp. 32343. Posiada Unikatowy Identyfikator Czasopisma: 201159.

Przypisane dyscypliny naukowe: Nauki o kulturze fizycznej (Dziedzina nauk medycznych i nauk o zdrowiu); Nauki o zdrowiu (Dziedzina nauk medycznych i nauk o zdrowiu).

© The Authors 2023;

This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland

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Received: 13.08.2023. Revised: 24.08.2023. Accepted: 06.09.2023. Published: 13.09.2023.

Stress syndromes of the elbow joint region (golfer's/tennis elbow) - a review of the recent literature

Maciej Zwolski ¹, Krzysztof Puchalski ², Konrad Klocek ³, Aleksandra Hajduk ⁴ , Łukasz Mrozek ⁵, Bartosz Kostecki ⁶, Zuzanna Szumlas ⁷, Aleksander Jurek ⁸, Anna Tekielak ⁹

¹  Szpital św. Elżbieta w Katowicach  ul. Warszawska 52, 40-008 Katowice, Poland
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7255-4668

²  Samodzielny Publiczny Zespół Zakładów Opieki Zdrowotnej im. Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego w Płońsku, 09-100 Płońsk, ul. Henryka Sienkiewicza 7, Poland
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2366-4971

³ Górnośląskie Centrum Medyczne im. prof. Leszka Gieca Śląskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Katowicach, Ziołowa 45-47, 40-635 Katowice, Poland
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3628-4223

⁴ Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4648-376X

⁵ Samodzielny Publiczny Specjalistyczny Szpital Zachodni im. Św. Jana Pawła II, ul. Daleka 11, 05-825 Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3262-8576

⁶  SP ZOZ Szpital Wielospecjalistyczny w Jaworznie, Józefa Chełmońskiego 28, 43-600 Jaworzno, Poland
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6305-1764

⁷  LUX MED Sp. z o.o., ul. Postępu 21C, 02-676 Warszawa, Poland
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4154-2796

⁸ UCK WUM Szpital Kliniczny Dzieciątka Jezus, ul. Lindleya 4, 02-005 Warszawa, Poland
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4858-5595

⁹ Samodzielny Publiczny Szpital Kliniczny im. Andrzeja Mielęckiego Śląskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Katowicach. 40-027 Katowice, ul. Francuska 20-24
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2711-6340

Abstract:

Introduction and Purpose: Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are two stress syndromes of the elbow joint region which have received much attention due to their effects on everyday and sporting activities. This review intends to provide an up-to-date summary of the pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, diagnostic techniques, and treatment options for the two conditions.

State of Knowledge: Recent research has emphasized the complexity of these diseases, connecting various causes to their emergence. The current study also shows how inflammation, tendon degradation, and neural involvement contribute to these disorders. Imaging advancements, such as ultrasound and MRI, have improved the diagnostic process by allowing visualization and recognition of underlying disorders. To ensure proper management, differential diagnoses, such as nerve compression syndromes and other musculoskeletal diseases, must be carefully evaluated. Rest, physiotherapy, NSAIDs, and corticosteroid injections are important first-line treatments. Novel therapeutic interventions, such as PRP therapy and ESWT have recently been studied as supplements or alternatives to traditional procedures. The exercise-based rehabilitation in controlling and preventing recurrence is also emphasized. Although surgery is reserved for the most difficult cases, advances in minimally invasive techniques have resulted in better outcomes.

Conclusion: Recent literature has significantly contributed to our understanding of elbow stress syndromes. The synthesis of recent research provides clinicians with valuable insights into optimal management strategies. Although, further research is crucial to improve diagnosis, develop new treatments, and raise the standard of care for those affected by these conditions.

Key words: elbow joint stress syndromes, golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, medial epicondylitis, lateral epicondylitis