Results
Search strategy
The computerised search on all three databases, yielded a total of 340 citations. Discarding 22 duplicates, a total of 318 citations remained. The selection criteria allowed for the elimination of publications that were screened regarding the citations title and abstract. Studies that had no relevance to the objective of this review were excluded. For example, athletic injuries relating to ME were excluded as they did not comply with the objective of this review. Publications regarding patients with ME participating in treatment options and post-surgery were eliminated. With 318 citations being screened aiming to exclude the irrelevant titles and abstracts, yielded 22 remaining citations, excluding 296 publications…show more content… (1).This recent prospective study (2013) examined 1107 newly employed workers in a population-based study from a variety of industries. After excluding worker with elbow pain, 699 individuals showing no signs and symptoms for ME were followed up after a 36 month period and evaluated by the use of a questionnaire and physical examination. An analysis of findings following this population resulted in 30 subjects suffering from ME (4.3%).
The cross-sectional study by Descatha et al. (2) in 2003, reports prevalence, incidence, and work related factors. An occupational health doctor examined a total of 1757 workers. After 3 years, 598 of the workers were re-examined. The prevalence of ME following this period was significantly higher to that of other musculoskeletal conditions in the upper limb. A report of findings discovered that 68 of 1757 subjects (3.8%) suffered from ME. Interestingly however, more than 80% of subjects suffering from ME also suffered from another work related upper limb…show more content… (3) aims to estimate to prevalence of ME and to look into their risk factors. Of 4,783 participants, the prevalence of ME was 1.9%(3). There was no change in prevalence between male and female. ME was most common in participants aged between the age of 45-54, though more common in females in the ages between 55-64yo. However, between male and female there was no difference in prevalence in definite medial epicondylitis. Subjects that are suffering with ME that also suffered with another upper extremity condition calculated 1.2% prevalence, highest in the ages between 55-64 years old. Smoking and obesity was associated with ME in woman. Vigorous work activities related to a greater risk of ME among the male participants where as repetitive movements of the wrist and hands among female, related to a greater