Posterior interosseous nerve entrapment vs. lateral epicondylitis

Abstract EN

Injury to the lateral aspect of the elbow is the most common upper extremity tennis injury.

Tennis elbow is generally caused by overuse of the extensor tendons of the forearm, particularly the extensor carpi radials braves.

Objectives : we investigated the role of electrophysiological tests in determining posterior interosseous neuropathy (PIN) in patients with a diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis either an acute or refractory.

Methods : Sixty patients with acute and refractory tennis elbow divided equally into two groups, with the same gender (14 males, 16 females) and 30 healthy controls (16 females, 14 males) represent the third group, all underwent a Careful history, full Clinical examination, CBC, ESR, RF, Serum uric acid, FBS, Kidney and Liver functions, full urinalysis and Plain X-ray of both cervical spine and the affected elbow.

PIN nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) of some selected muscles.

Results : A diagnosis of PIN sensory entrapment was made in 11 patients (7 patients in G I and 4 patients in G II [23 % and 13 % respectively]), while PIN motor entrapment in 5 patients of GI (17 %).

Conclusion : Electrophysiological tests may be necessary and beneficial in the differential diagnosis of PIN in patients unresponsive to treatment for lateral epicondylitis of early and late stages.