We performed a retrospective review of the long-term results of
operative treatment of medial epicondylitis in thirty elbows (twenty-six
patients). Sixteen elbows had concomitant ulnar neuropathy. All of the
patients had tenderness over the medial epicondyle. The most sensitive
provocative maneuver was resisted pronation of the forearm (a positive
result for twenty-eight elbows), followed by resisted flexion of the wrist
(a positive result for twelve elbows). The operative findings included an
inflammatory focus in seventeen elbows and focal ulnar-nerve compression in
nine. Debridement of the origin of the flexor-pronator tendon mass, with
decompression or transposition of the ulnar nerve when indicated, was
associated with an 87 per cent rate (twenty-six elbows) of good or
excellent results at an average of seven years (range, two to fifteen
years) after the operation. Twenty-four of the twenty-five elbows that had
no or mild associated ulnar neuropathy (type-IA or IB medial epicondylitis)
had a good or excellent result, while two of the five elbows that had
moderate or severe associated ulnar neuropathy (type-II medial
epicondylitis) had a good or excellent result. This difference was
significant (p = 0.009). Nine patients (nine elbows) needed more than six
months before maximum improvement was obtained.