PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - B K Coombes
AU  - L Bisset
AU  - B Vicenzino
TI  - A new integrative model of lateral epicondylalgia
AID  - 10.1136/bjsm.2008.052738
DP  - 2009 Apr 01
TA  - British Journal of Sports Medicine
PG  - 252--258
VI  - 43
IP  - 4
4099  - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/43/4/252.short
4100  - http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/43/4/252.full
SO  - Br J Sports Med2009 Apr 01; 43
AB  - Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylalgia is a diagnosis familiar to many within the general community and presents with an uncomplicated clinical picture in most cases. However, the underlying pathophysiology presents a more complex state and its management has not been conclusively determined. Research on this topic extends across anatomical, biomechanical and clinical literature; however, integration of findings is lacking. We propose that the current understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of lateral epicondylalgia can be conceptualised as encompassing three interrelated components: (i) the local tendon pathology, (ii) changes in the pain system, and (iii) motor system impairments. This paper presents a model that integrates these components on the basis of a literature review with the express aim of assisting in the targeting of specific treatments or combinations thereof to individual patients.