Open release versus radiofrequency microtenotomy in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a prospective randomized controlled trial

41 patients with refractory lateral epicondylitis were randomized to either radiofrequency microtenotomy or open release of the common extensor origin. Patients were assessed for pain and function over the first year after surgery, and grip strength after 6 weeks. Apart from pain reduction after 6 weeks, which was significantly greater in the open release group compared to the RFMT group, there were no significant differences between groups in the outcome measures over the duration of follow-up.