Tennis Elbow/Golfer’S Elbow (Epicondylitis Humeri)

In the case of epicondylitis humeri – colloquially called tennis elbow or Golfer’s elbow – (synonyms: Chronic epicondylitis humeri radialis; Chronic epicondylitis radialis; Epicondylitis humeri lateralis; Epicondylitis humeri radialis; Epicondylitis humeri ulnaris; Epicondylitis radialis; Epicondylitis ulnaris; Epicondylopathia humeri radialis; Epicondylopathia radialis; Golf elbow; Golf elbow; Radial epicondylopathy; Tennis elbow; Ulnar epicondylopathy; ICD-10-GM M77. 0: Epicondylitis ulnaris humeri; ICD-10-GM M77.1: Epicondylitis radialis humeri) is a so-called insertion tendopathy of the upper arm at the transition to the elbow joint. It is one of the most common orthopedic disorders.

An insertion tendopathy describes non-inflammatory or degenerative (wear-related) pain in the area of the tendons and tendon insertions, which in most cases result from chronic occupational overload or incorrect loading.

Epicondylitis humeri lateralis (synonyms: epicondylaris humeri radialis; tennis elbow) can be distinguished from epicondylitis humeri medialis (synonyms: epicondylaris humeri ulnaris; golfer’s elbow). Epicondylitis humeri lateralis is the most common insertional tendopathy of the forearm extensor muscles. Both forms of the disease occur frequently in tennis players and golfers (amateurs are more at risk than professionals), but the majority of those affected cannot be attributed to either sport.

One can distinguish an acute from a chronic form according to the duration of the symptomatology:

  • Acute form: < 6 months
  • Chronic form: > 6 months

Frequency peak: the disease occurs mainly in middle age (35-50 years).

The prevalence (disease frequency) for epicondylopathy is 1-3% in the normal population (in Germany).

The incidence (frequency of new cases) in the general population is about 1-3 %; incidence at presentation in the family practice is about 0.4-5.3 % [S2k guideline].

Course and prognosis: The prognosis of the disease is favorable, especially in acute irritable conditions. It usually heals after conservative therapy (treatment with the aid of drug therapy(s) and/or physical measures). However, it must be expected that the painful impairment of movement and stress will often last for several months. The disease is usually self-limiting within a period of up to 2 years, i.e. it stops on its own. The acute pain phase may last 6-12 weeks.