A 25-year-old cricketer complains of lateral elbow pain that is worsened by gripping the bat and resisted wrist extension. Tenderness is localised over the lateral epicondyle. There is no swelling or instability. The most likely diagnosis is:
- A Radial tunnel syndrome
- B Olecranon bursitis
- C Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) ✓
- D Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum
Correct answer: C. Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
Explanation
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is an overuse tendinopathy at the origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis at the lateral epicondyle. It presents with lateral elbow pain aggravated by gripping and resisted wrist extension (Cozen's test positive). It is common in sports involving repetitive wrist extension and in manual workers. Treatment is conservative: rest, physiotherapy, NSAIDs, and local corticosteroid injection. Surgical release is reserved for refractory cases.
Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.