Comparison of two ultrasonographic localization techniques for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis with extracorporeal shock wave therapy: a randomized study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To describe and compare two ultrasonographic localization techniques for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT).

DESIGN:

Forty-one subjects selected through clinical examination were randomly assigned to two groups of treatment.

INTERVENTIONS:

Each subject received a three-session ultrasound-guided ESWT (performed weekly). Lateral tangential focusing was used in group A, whereas back tangential focusing was used for group B.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Total Elbow Scoring System (TESS) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate each subject before the treatment and at six months follow-up.

RESULTS:

TESS and VAS pretreatment scores were homogeneous between the groups (p > 0.05). In both groups there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the TESS score and a decrease in the VAS score but there was no resolution of the pain. TESS and VAS follow-up scores were homogeneous between the two groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

There was no difference between the two techniques of using ESWT.

• Authors: Gianluca Melegati, Davide Tornese, Marco Bandi, Manuela Rubini
• Journal: Clinical rehabilitation (Clin Rehabil) Vol. 18 Issue 4 Pg. 366-70 (Jun 2004) ISSN: 0269-2155 [Print] England
• PMID: 15180119 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Adult
• Analysis of Variance
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Statistics, Nonparametric
• Tennis Elbow (diagnostic imaging, therapy)
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultrasonic Therapy (methods)
• Ultrasonography