Abstract: Background: Lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow is common clinical and functionally limiting condition encountered by orthopedic surgeon having chronic course and its etiology and management is under controversies. The aim of this study is to know the efficacy of local corticosteroids in its management.
Materials and methods: The study was conducted in Department of Orthopaedics, RIMS Ranchi from November 2016 to October 2017. Sixty patients of either sex (33 female and 27 male), mean age 38yrs presenting with pain over lateral epicondyle were selected for the study. After written informed consent local steroids (0.5ml methylprednisolone with 0.5ml of 2% lignocaine) were injected over the maximum tender point in elbow.
Results: The incidence was more common in females and dominant arm is been involved mostly. Out of 60 patients 42 patients (70%) got almost complete relief from pain in 6 weeks of time. But at the end of 12 weeks, the final follow up only 11 patients (18.33%) were pain free and 30 patients (50%) had recurrence of symptoms.
Conclusion: Local corticosteroids are very effective treatment for lateral epicondylitis if used over short term and for early symptomatic relief.
