Arthroscopic resection of humeroradial synovial plica for persistent lateral elbow pain.

PURPOSE: To review the outcome of 121 patients who underwent arthroscopic resection of a humeroradial synovial plica for persistent lateral elbow pain.

METHODS: 92 men and 29 women aged 24 to 56 (mean, 38) years with chronic lateral elbow pain underwent arthroscopic resection of a humeroradial synovial plica using a motorised soft tissue shaver, followed by intensive physiotherapy. The modified elbow score and range of motion were assessed, as were wound healing, infection, soft tissue swelling or effusion, tenderness, ligamentous instability, and motor strength.

RESULTS: No patient had any ligamentous instability. 80 patients were pain-free at 3 months; only 3 patients were taking pain medication at 6 months. All patients had full pronation and supination; the mean range of motion was 3º to 135º of flexion. The mean modified elbow score at 12 months was 93.2 (range, 72-100). The percentages of patients with excellent, good, fair, and poor score were 70%, 17%, 8%, and 5% at 3 months, 74%, 20%, 3%, and 3% at 6 months, and 76%, 18%, 3%, and 3% at 12 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION: A humeroradial synovial plica is one of the causes of chronic lateral elbow pain. Arthroscopic resection of the synovial plica followed by intensive physiotherapy achieved good outcome.