The Problem of Lateral Epicondylitis of the Humerus

Overview

The authors summarize their findings and experience with the long-term assessment of the occupational character of lateralepicondylitis of the humerus. They submit brief findings on the etiology, pathology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment ofthis relatively frequent disease. This is followed by reflections and analysis of some repeated problems associated with establishmentof the diagnosis and subsequent evaluation of possible associations of the disease with the work performed. In the chapteron therapy of lateral epicondylitis the authors emphasize the importance of adequately prolonged rest (best by major fixation) afterlocal corticoid injection. In the conclusion the authors emphasize the neccessity of collaboration between a specialist in occupationalmedicine and an orthopedist who hopefully should have longstanding experience with evaluation of the occupational characterof this disease. The authors recommend to create an auxiliatry point system which will take into account all diagnostic parametersas one of them alone is entirely significant.

Key words:
lateral epicondylitis, enthesopathy, local injection, fixation, rest therapy, occupational disease