Lateral epicondylitis is commonly known as tennis elbow. It involves which tendon?

Lateral epicondylitis is commonly known as tennis elbow. It involves which tendon?

• A. Extensor carpi radialis brevis
• B. Flexor carpi ulnaris
• C. Brachioradialis
• D. Extensor digitorum

Answer: (A)

Lateral epicondylitis is a tendinopathy at the origin of the common extensor tendon on the lateral elbow, with the extensor carpi radialis brevis being the tendon most commonly involved. Repetitive wrist extension and gripping—as in tennis backhands—place repeated stress on this tendon, leading to microtears and pain at the outer elbow. The flexor carpi ulnaris is on the medial side and not involved in tennis elbow; the brachioradialis is more about elbow flexion and isn’t the primary structure at the lateral epicondyle; extensor digitorum is part of the same extensor group but the ECRB is the tendon most typically implicated.

Lateral epicondylitis is a tendinopathy at the origin of the common extensor tendon on the lateral elbow, with the extensor carpi radialis brevis being the tendon most commonly involved. Repetitive wrist extension and gripping—as in tennis backhands—place repeated stress on this tendon, leading to microtears and pain at the outer elbow. The flexor carpi ulnaris is on the medial side and not involved in tennis elbow; the brachioradialis is more about elbow flexion and isn’t the primary structure at the lateral epicondyle; extensor digitorum is part of the same extensor group but the ECRB is the tendon most typically implicated.