Shock wave therapy for patients with lateral epicondylitis of the elbow: a one- to two-year follow-up study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The results of both nonoperative and surgical treatments for lateral epicondylitis of the elbow have been inconsistent. Shock wave therapy has been shown to have a favorable short-term effect in treating this condition.

HYPOTHESIS:

Shock wave therapy is an effective treatment for patients with lateral epicondylitis of the elbow and long-term results will be as favorable as short-term ones.

STUDY DESIGN:

Case series.

METHODS:

The effect of shock wave therapy was investigated in 57 patients with lateral epicondylitis of the elbow. Forty-three patients (24 men and 19 women with an average age of 46 years) with 1 to 2 years of follow-up were included in this study. In addition, six patients were treated with a sham procedure as a control group. Each patient was treated with 1000 impulses of shock wave therapy at 14 kV to the affected elbow. A 100-point scoring system was used for evaluating pain, function, strength, and elbow range of motion.

RESULTS:

Twenty-seven elbows (61.4%) were free of complaints, 13 (29.5%) were significantly better, 3 (6.8%) were slightly better, and 1 (2.3%) was unchanged. In the control group, the results were unchanged in all six patients. There were no device-related problems and no systemic or local complications.

CONCLUSIONS:

Shock wave therapy is a safe and effective modality in the treatment of patients with lateral epicondylitis of the elbow.

• Authors: Ching-Jen Wang, Han-Shiang Chen
• Journal: The American journal of sports medicine (Am J Sports Med) 2002 May-Jun Vol. 30 Issue 3 Pg. 422-5 ISSN: 0363-5465 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12016085 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• High-Energy Shock Waves (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Muscle, Skeletal (physiopathology)
• Pain Measurement
• Prospective Studies
• Range of Motion, Articular
• Recovery of Function
• Recurrence
• Tennis Elbow (physiopathology, therapy)
• Treatment Outcome