Case study: Lateral epicondylitis – Injection
A 30-year-old woman, an ultrasound application specialist, presented with lateral elbow pain on her left upper limb for 4 years following a trivial injury. She has been on rest, splints, analgesics, and a steroid injection as well without much relief.
Physical examination
- No localized redness or swelling
- Tenderness over the lateral epicondyle
- Positive Cozen’s test
Ultrasound findings
- Heterogeneity of the common extensor tendon
- Cortical irregularities over the lateral epicondyle
- Calcification within the common extensor tendon
Long-axis view of the elbow showing heterogeneity and calcification of the common extensor tendon and cortical irregularities over the lateral epicondyle.
- Neoangiogenesis on color Doppler examination
Color Doppler imaging shows neoangiogenesis at the point of insertion of the common extensor tendon into the epicondyle.
Diagnosis
The patient was diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, which is a tendinopathy injury involving the common extensor tendon, characterized by inflammation and microscopic tearing of the tendon. It is usually caused by repetitive upper extremity motions.
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