Background: Humeral epicondylitis, a relatively common disease, is classified among inflammatory conditions of soft tissues and is frequently associated with elbow pain. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of radiotherapy in patients with epicondylitis humeri.
Material and methods: The study was based on the observation of 50 cases. All patients were irradiated with 6-MV photons delivered in 1 Gy fraction doses, up to a total of 6 Gy, using two opposite coaxial fields. Follow-up examinations took place immediately after the treatment and at 1, 2-3, 4-6, 8-12, 19-24 and 26-30 months post-treatment. Pain relief, joint mobility, regional edema, joint temperature and the percentage of patients using analgesics were assessed.
Results: No adverse events were observed. The mean percentage of patients with pain relief was 22.8% directly after, compared to 70.2% at 8-12 months and 57.5% at 26-30 months post-treatment. A decrease in joint mobility was by 16% of the patients at one year after treatment and in 25% of the patients at 26-30 months after treatment. The percentages of patients with increased elbow temperature, elbow edema and analgesics uptake at the respective time points were 6% and 0%, 36% and 0%, and 0% and 37%. The percentage of patients reporting partial and complete pain relief was 41.7% and 45.8%, and 30% and 40%, respectively.
Conclusion: Anti-inflammatory radiotherapy of patients with humeral epicondylitis is a safe and effective method of treatment.