Lateral epicondylitis/tennis elbow

Alternative names:

epicondylitis; epitrochlear bursitis; tennis elbow

Definition:

The inflammation of the muscles of the forearm, or their tendons near their origin on the humerus (the bone of the upper arm).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The injury may be caused by the repetitive motion of twisting the wrist against resistance or frequent rotation of the forearm. There may be a partial tear of the tendon fibers at or near their point of insertion on the humerus. Risk factors are forceful repetitive wrist or forearm movement. The injury is associated with tennis playing. The incidence is 9 out of 10,000 people.