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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Molecular composition and pathology of entheses on the medial and lateral epicondyles of the humerus: a structural basis for epicondylitis.

OBJECTIVES: To improve the understanding of epicondylitis by describing the normal structure and composition of the entheses associated with the medial and lateral epicondyles and their histopathology in elderly cadavers. METHODS: Medial and lateral epicondyles were obtained from 12 cadavers. Six middle aged cadavers (mean 47 years) were used to assess the molecular composition of "normal" entheses from people within an age range vulnerable to epicondylitis. Cryosections of epicondylar entheses were immunolabelled with monoclonal antibodies against molecules associated with fibrocartilage and related tissues. A further six elderly cadavers (mean 84 years) were used for histology to assess features of entheses related to increasing age. RESULTS: Tendon entheses on both epicondyles fused with those of the collateral ligaments and formed a more extensive structure than hitherto appreciated. Fibrocartilage (which labelled for type II collagen and aggrecan) was a constant feature of all entheses. Entheses from elderly subjects showed extensive microscopic damage, hitherto regarded as a hallmark of epicondylitis. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrocartilage is a normal feature and not always a sign of enthesopathy. Furthermore, pathological changes documented in patients with epicondylitis may also be seen in elderly people. The fusion of the common extensor and flexor tendon entheses with those of the collateral ligaments suggests that the latter may be implicated as well. This may explain why pain and tenderness in epicondylitis may extend locally beyond the tendon enthesis and why some patients are refractory to local treatments.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Volumetric determination of medial epicondyle and lateral epicondyle of humerus in male and female volleyball players.

The aim of this study was to assess the volume of the medial epicondyle and lateral epicondyle in comparison with the distal end of humerus volume in male and female elite athletes participating in an impact loading sport (volleyball). The volleyball group consisted of 17 female, aged 20.47 +/- 2.47 years (mean +/- SD), 16 male aged 21.68 +/- 3.47 years (mean +/- SD); training for about 8 hours/week. The control group consisted of 15 nonactive females aged 21.73 +/- 2.68 years (mean +/- SD) and 14 nonactive males aged 23.35 +/- 4.16 years (mean +/- SD). Anthropometric determinations (height, weight, limb length, girth of arm and forearm) were made on each subjects. Range of motion was evaluated by standard goniometric technique. Comparative plain films of both elbows were obtained in an anteroposterior projection. The volumes of the medial epicondyle and lateral epicondyle were determined by the principle of Cavalieri which is an effective stereologic volume calculation method. In the volleyball players, increased medial epicondyle volume was recorded in the dominant and nondominant arms as compared with the control subjects (P < 0.05). Wrist flexors are highly involved in spiking, blocking and serving in volleyball. In this study we founded volume of medial epicondyle which is the connection point of flexor muscle was increased because of loading.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Long-term results of epicondylitis humeri ulnaris ("golfer's elbow") after treatment analogous to Hohmann's incision of epicondylitis humeri radialis ("tennis elbow")].

With an average follow-up of 6.1 years the results of Hohmann's operation in treatment of humeri ulnaris epicondylitis in 23 cases are presented. For evaluation a numerical rating system with subjective and objective criteria was designed. The results were excellent in 43.5%, good in 26.1% and fair in 17.5% by subjective and excellent in 47.9%, good in 26.1% and fair in 13% by objective evaluation. Three cases had a poor result. The study reviews causes, clinical tests, conservative treatment and our operative method.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Chronic medial and lateral epicondylitis: a comparison of pain, disability, and function.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate pain, disability, and muscle function of the arm in medial epicondylitis and to compare the results with those in chronic lateral epicondylitis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, case-control study. SETTING: University hospital clinic admitting chronic hand patients. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five patients with chronic unilateral medial epicondylitis and 25 age- and gender-matched patients with chronic unilateral lateral epicondylitis. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain drawing (PD) and a pain questionnaire with 7 items of pain and disability on visual analog scale (VAS). Dolorimeter measurements of pressure pain thresholds (PPT) on 3 defined cubital points. The isometric grip strength and isokinetic performance of wrist and forearm at a radial velocity of 90 degrees/s. RESULTS: Patients with medial epicondylitis had significantly less pain under strain (6.7 vs 7.9cm on VAS, P =.03) and a smaller PD (1.9 vs 2.5, P =.02) than patients with lateral epicondylitis. The PPTs of medial epicondyles were 54% (P =.0000) lower in medial epicondylitis. In lateral epicondylitis, all 3 cubital points showed significant decreases in PPTs. The isometric grip strength (mean and maximal) decreased by 6.2% and 3.6%, compared with the patients' healthy arms (P =.03,.16) and by 11.4% and 8.9% (P =.008,.02), respectively, compared with the expected value; in lateral epicondylitis, the grip strength decreased by 11.8% and 10.6% (P =.005,.01) and by 15% and 14% (P =.003,.007), respectively, when compared with the expected grip strength. Peak torque and produced work in wrist flexion were significantly reduced by 13% and 17% (P =.005,.0001), respectively, in both diseases. In lateral epicondylitis, supination and pronation were also reduced by 10% and 15% (P =.03). CONCLUSIONS: In chronic medial epicondylitis, muscle function and pain measures showed a lesser impaired function of the arm than in chronic lateral epicondylitis. The results may be useful in rehabilitation and treatment of epicondylitis.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Prevalence and determinants of lateral and medial epicondylitis: a population study.

Epicondylitis is a common disorder of the arm, yet the role of individual- and work-related factors has not been addressed in a population study. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of lateral and medial epicondylitis and to investigate their risk factors. The target population of this study comprised a representative sample of people aged 30-64 years residing in Finland during 2000-2001. Of the 5,871 subjects, 4,783 (81.5%) were included in this study. The prevalence of definite lateral epicondylitis was 1.3%, and that of medial epicondylitis was 0.4%. The prevalence did not differ between men and women and was highest in subjects aged 45-54 years. Current smoking (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 3.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4, 8.3) and former smoking (OR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.3, 6.6) were associated with definite lateral epicondylitis. An interaction (p = 0.002) was found between repetitive movements of the arms and forceful activities for the risk of possible or definite lateral epicondylitis (for both repetitive and forceful activities vs. no such activity: OR = 5.6, 95% CI: 1.9, 16.5). Smoking, obesity, repetitive movements, and forceful activities independently of each other showed significant associations with medial epicondylitis. Epicondylitis is relatively common among working-age individuals in the general population. Physical load factors, smoking, and obesity are strong determinants of epicondylitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

MR imaging findings of lateral ulnar collateral ligament abnormalities in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper was to use MR imaging to determine whether a relationship exists between lateral epicondylitis and abnormalities of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 35 consecutive patients who were referred for MR imaging to rule out lateral epicondylitis. On MR imaging, "lateral epicondylitis" was defined as increased signal intensity of the extensor tendons close to their insertion on the lateral epicondyle. The severity of the lateral epicondylitis was graded as mild, moderate, or severe. The origin of the lateral collateral ligamentous complex was characterized, and the lateral ulnar collateral ligament was graded as normal, thickened, partially torn, or torn. Eleven patients underwent elbow surgery after the initial MR examination. RESULTS: In 15 patients, MR imaging revealed characteristics of mild lateral epicondylitis. In 13 of these patients, the lateral ulnar collateral ligament was normal; one patient showed a thickened ligament; and one patient had a thinned ligament. In 11 patients, MR imaging showed features of moderate lateral epicondylitis. In eight of these patients, the lateral ulnar collateral ligament was thickened, and in the remaining three patients the ligament was normal. All nine patients with severe lateral epicondylitis showed abnormalities of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament on MR imaging. In one of these patients the lateral ulnar collateral ligament was thickened, in three patients we saw a partial tear, and in the remaining five patients we saw a complete tear of the ligament. CONCLUSION: In our study, MR imaging features of lateral epicondylitis were often associated with thickening and tears of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Epicondylitis among cooks in nursery schools.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of epicondylitis among cooks in nursery schools in a cross sectional study because they are suspected to have strenuous workloads on the hands and arms. METHODS: Prevalence of epicondylitis among 209 nursery school cooks and 366 control workers aged 40-59 were studied. Both groups consisted of women workers chosen from 1299 subjects who agreed to participate from 1329 social welfare employees in a city. All workers were interviewed with a questionnaire and had a clinical examination of the tenderness to palpation of epicondyles and epicondylar pain provoked by resisted extension and flexion of the wrist. RESULTS: Nursery school cooks had a significantly higher prevalence of epicondylitis (11.5%) than the controls (2.5%). In a logistic regression model, job title of the cook was also found to have a strong association with epicondylitis (odds ratio (OR) 5.4, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.4 to 11.9) after adjustment for age, body length, and body mass index. Weaker associations were also found between epicondylitis and suspected job stress or workload scores for mechanical workload and psychosocial stressors based on factor analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study supported the hypothesis that nursery school cooks had a higher prevalence of epicondylitis than other workers with less strenuous hand and arm tasks. It was suggested that risk factors of epicondylitis would be multifactorial, including mechanical workload and psychosocial factors.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Comparison of sonography and MRI for diagnosing epicondylitis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of sonography with those of MRI in evaluating epicondylitis. METHODS: The affected elbows of 11 patients with suspected epicondylitis were examined sonographically, and the contralateral (normal) elbow was also examined for comparison. In 10 of these patients, the affected elbow was also examined with MRI. In addition, both elbows of 6 volunteers without epicondylitis were examined sonographically; 1 elbow of each volunteer was designated as the "test" elbow and was examined with MRI. The sonograms of the patients' affected elbows and the volunteers' test elbows were paired with the sonograms of the contralateral elbows for comparison and were randomly shown twice to 2 readers. These readers, working independently and without knowledge of the findings of MRI, were instructed to state whether each elbow was normal or affected by epicondylitis. The MRI scans were then shown to the readers for similar review. RESULTS: Sonographic features of epicondylitis included outward bowing of the common tendon, presence of hypoechoic fluid subadjacent to the common tendon, thickening, decreased echogenicity, and ill-defined margins of the common tendon. Sensitivity for detecting epicondylitis ranged from 64% to 82% for sonography and from 90% to 100% for MRI. Specificity ranged from 67% to 100% for sonography and from 83% to 100% for MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Sonography is as specific but not as sensitive as MRI for evaluating epicondylitis. Used as an initial imaging tool, sonography might be adequate for diagnosing this condition in many patients, thus allowing MRI to be reserved for patients with symptoms whose sonographic findings are normal.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

MR imaging of epicondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the MR findings in patients with epicondylitis compared with asymptomatic volunteers. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: We imaged 43 elbows: 24 with epicondylitis (22 lateral, 2 medial) diagnosed by clinical examination, and 19 in 16 normal volunteers. MRI was performed at 1.5 T using axial T1-weighted, axial fat-saturated FSE, and coronal or sagittal Fast STIR sequences. Two independent observers evaluated the images for intratendon signal, tendon thickening, periosteal reaction, fluid in the radial head bursa, and anconeus edema. RESULTS: All 24 patients with epicondylitis had increased signal on fat-saturated FSE and Fast STIR images. Twenty-two of these patients had increased intratendon T1 signal, and 19 had tendon thickening. No patient demonstrated fluid in the radial head bursa or periosteal reaction. Only two patients had subtle anconeus edema, while three patients unexpectedly had increased T2 signal within the involved epicondyle. One asymptomatic volunteer (high-performance athlete) had increased T1 and T2 signal with tendon thickening. An additional two asymptomatic volunteers had increased T1 signal only. CONCLUSION: MRI of epicondylitis demonstrates tendon thickening with increased T1 and T2 signal, but these findings may be seen in a small minority of asymptomatic individuals. Anconeus edema, previously demonstrated on MRI in epicondylitis, was only rarely found, and distension of the radial head bursa, surgically described, was not seen. Increased marrow T2 signal within the involved epicondyle is occasionally seen.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Reliability of a patient-rated forearm evaluation questionnaire for patients with lateral epicondylitis.

PURPOSE: To determine the reliability of a questionnaire designed to assess forearm pain and function in patients with lateral epicondylitis. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with unilateral lateral epicondylitis completed a patient-related forearm evaluation questionnaire (PRFEQ) on two occasions. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC 2,1), standard error of measurement (SEM), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined for the whole group and for three subgroup comparisons of male vs. female subjects, subacute vs. chronic lateral epicondylitis, and work-related vs. non-work-related lateral epicondylitis. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability for the overall PRFEQ (ICC, 0.89), and its pain (ICC, 0.89) and function (ICC, 0.83) subscales was excellent. Test-retest reliability for patients with work-related lateral epicondylitis (ICC, 0.80) was significantly (p = 0.018) less than for patients with non-work-related lateral epicondylitis (ICC, 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: The PRFEQ can provide a simple, quick, and reliable estimate of arm pain and function in patients with lateral epicondylitis. However, large SEM and 95% CIs limit its ability to accurately predict individual scores.

Female↗
PubMed2003

[Fractures of the medial humeral epicondyle in child: preliminary study about 18 cases].

The aim of this work is to study the epidemiological, radiological, clinical views of fractures of the medial humeral epicondyle in child and mainly to appreciate the results of surgical treatment. For this, we looked at again in a retrospective study eighteen (18) files of children with fracture of the medial humeral epicondyle. The average age of children was eleven (11) and the male sex most represented (16 boys versus 2 girls). Medial humeral epicondyle's fracture often occurs by accident in playing (15 cases). Accurate diagnostic of the fracture of the medial humeral epicondyle was rarely formulated on the clinical plan. It's the radiography who shown the fracture of the medial humeral epicondyle and permitted to specially the type in accordance with Marion's and Faysse's classifications and also Lechevallier. It was always surgical and consisted on a open reduction and fixation by pins or a periostee's stich. With ten (10) months of background, we assessed our results either on morphological plan than the functional plan. 1/ On morphological plan: an hypertrophy of the medial humeral epicondyle is 3-fold mentioned. Others children have not presented a morphological animaly. 2/ On functional plan: Ten children had an elbow's mobility considered as normal after self reeducation at home. Six enjoyed physical therapy in a specialized department. Two of the children had an extension gap from 30 degrees to 35 degrees respectively. We obtained thirsteen (13) good results in general, three (3) means results and two (2) bad results. In conclusion, the fracture of medial humeral epicondyle occurs around ten (10) years old in boy victim in playing. Diagnostic is sometimes difficult. Surgical treatment gives good results. However, it can be the origin of sequellaes which can justify correct previous refunding.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[The medial epicondyle of the humerus, an anatomical study].

A large variation in the shape of the medial epicondyle is encountered. This study was performed to investigate any role of the shape of medial humeral epicondyle in the etiology of osteoarthritis in the elbow, which can lead to cubital tunnel syndrome. A total of 71 humerus from 36 cadaveric specimens (mean age 75, ranging from 52 to 93) were used to study the morphological characterization of the medial humeral epicondyle. The specimens were divided into four types according to the index of medial epicondylar breadth and medial epicondylar length. A correlation was found between the angle of inclination of the sulcus nervi ulnaris and osteophyte formation in the medial epicondyle. This finding suggested that Type 2 (wider type) and 3 (longer type) might each contribute to the onset of osteoarthritis, resulting in cubital tunnel syndrome. However, we found some cases of Type 1 (wider and longer type) with a large angle and only minor osteophyte formation, suggesting that a large inclination angle of the sulcus nervi ulnaris alone was not an independent factor in osteophyte formation. Moreover from our results of measuring the distance between the tip of the medial epicondyle and the medial edge of the anterior medial collateral ligament origin, we concluded that medial epicondylectomy (King's method) without damaging this ligament should be performed at a point approximately 20% of the overall width of the medial epicondyle from the tip of the medial epicondyle.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with medial epicondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the MR imaging findings of 13 patients with clinically diagnosed medial epicondylitis with the MR imaging findings of 26 patients of similar age with no clinical evidence of medial epicondylitis. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: The study group consisted of 13 patients with clinically diagnosed medial epicondylitis. The control group consisted of 26 patients of similar age with no clinical evidence of medial epicondylitis. The medical records and MR imaging findings of these patients were retrospectively reviewed by two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists. RESULTS: Eleven of the 13 patients in the study group had thickening and increased signal intensity of the common flexor tendon on both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. The remaining two patients in the study group had soft tissue edema around a normal-appearing common flexor tendon. Twenty-one of the 26 patients in the control group had a normal-appearing common flexor tendon on MR imaging. Three patients in the control group had a thickened common flexor tendon which was of intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted images but of uniform low signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Two patients in the control group had a thickened common flexor tendon which was of intermediate signal intensity on both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. None of the patients in the control group had soft tissue edema around the common flexor tendon. CONCLUSION: MR imaging findings of patients with clinically diagnosed medial epicondylitis included thickening and increased T1 and T2 signal intensity of the common flexor tendon and soft tissue edema around the common flexor tendon. The presence of intermediate to high T2 signal intensity or high T2 signal intensity within the common flexor tendon and the presence of paratendinous soft tissue edema were the most specific findings of medial epicondylitis on MR imaging.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Arthroscopic release for lateral epicondylitis.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to review the results of our early experience with recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis treated arthroscopically. TYPE OF STUDY: This study is a case series consisting of consecutive patients with lateral epicondylitis treated arthroscopically by 1 surgeon. METHODS: Patients failing a minimum of 6 months of conservative treatment underwent arthroscopic release of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) origin using the proximal medial and proximal lateral portals. Associated intra-articular pathology was noted and addressed. The ECRB lesions were classified according to their gross morphology and resected with a shaver. The lateral epicondyle was then decorticated with a burr. RESULTS: Sixteen patients with recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis were treated with arthroscopic release of the ECRB origin on the lateral epicondyle. Of the 16 elbows undergoing surgery, 5 (31.3%) were noted to have a type I lesion, characterized as fraying of the undersurface of the ECRB. Five (31.3%) had a type II lesion noted by linear tears within the ECRB, and 6 (37.5%) had a type III lesion, consisting of a partial or complete avulsion of the ECRB origin. Concurrent intra-articular pathology (synovitis, osteophytes) was noted in 3 of 16 elbows (18.8%) and was addressed arthroscopically. All patients were followed-up for a minimum of 1 year; however, 4 patients were lost to follow-up for this retrospective review due to military reassignment. Follow-up was obtained on 12 of 16 (75%) of patients at an average length of 24.1 months (range, 15 to 33 months). All patients reported improvement with the procedure. The average return to unrestricted work was 6.0 days (range, 0 to 28 days). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic release effectively treats lateral epicondylitis while also affording visualization of the joint space to address associated intra-articular pathology. Additionally, arthroscopic release is minimally invasive and allows early rehabilitation and return to normal activities.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Treatment of medial and lateral epicondylitis--tennis and golfer's elbow--with low level laser therapy: a multicenter double blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on 324 patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Among the other treatment modalities of medial and lateral epicondylitis, low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been promoted as a highly successful method. The aim of this clinical study was to assess the efficacy of LLLT using trigger points (TPs) and scanner application techniques under placebo-controlled conditions. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIAL AND METHODS: The current clinical study was completed at two Laser Centers (Locarno, Switzerland and Opatija, Croatia) as a double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover clinical study. The patient population (n = 324), with either medial epicondylitis (Golfer's elbow; n = 50) or lateral epicondylitis (Tennis elbow; n = 274), was recruited. Unilateral cases of either type of epicondylitis (n = 283) were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups according to the LLLT technique applied: (1) Trigger points; (2) Scanner; (3) Combination Treatment (i.e., TPs and scanner technique). Bilateral cases of either type of epicondylitis (n = 41) were subject to crossover, placebo-controlled conditions. Laser devices used to perform these treatments were infrared (IR) diode laser (GaAlAs) 830 nm continuous wave for treatment of TPs and HeNe 632.8 nm combined with IR diode laser 904 nm, pulsed wave for scanner technique. Energy doses were equally controlled and measured in Joules/cm2 either during TPs or scanner technique sessions in all groups of patients. The treatment outcome (pain relief and functional ability) was observed and measured according to the following methods: (1) short form of McGill's Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ); (2) visual analogue scales (VAS); (3) verbal rating scales (VRS); (4) patient's pain diary; and (5) hand dynamometer. RESULTS: Total relief of the pain with consequently improved functional ability was achieved in 82% of acute and 66% of chronic cases, all of which were treated by combination of TPs and scanner technique. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical study has demonstrated that the best results are obtained using combination treatment (i.e., TPs and scanner technique). Good results are obtained from adequate treatment technique correctly applied, individual energy doses, adequate medical education, clinical experience, and correct approach of laser therapists. We observed that under- and overirradiation dosage can result in the absence of positive therapy effects or even opposite, negative (e.g., inhibitory) effects. The current clinical study provides further evidence of the efficacy of LLLT in the management of lateral and medial epicondylitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Acupuncture for the alleviation of lateral epicondyle pain: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Lateral epicondyle pain is a common complaint in North America. In the past 10 yr acupuncture has become increasingly recognized as an alternative treatment for pain, including epicondyle pain. This review evaluates the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for lateral epicondylitis using the appropriate analysis. METHODS: Online bibliographic database searches in any language from Medline, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Healthstar, PMID, CAM, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review (3rd quarter 2003), articles listed in reference lists of key articles and the author's personal files were performed. Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials examining the effects of acupuncture on lateral epicondyle pain were selected. From the six studies that met inclusion criteria, the first author, year of publication, population studied, dropout rate, treatment plan, assessment scale and outcome measures were extracted. Study quality was determined by using the Jadad scale, in which all studies were rated as high quality. A best evidence synthesis approach was used to analyse the data presented in the six studies. RESULTS: All the studies suggested that acupuncture was effective in the short-term relief of lateral epicondyle pain. Five of six studies indicated that acupuncture treatment was more effective compared to a control treatment. CONCLUSIONS: There is strong evidence suggesting that acupuncture is effective in the short-term relief of lateral epicondyle pain.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed2005

Low-dose extracorporeal shock wave therapy for previously untreated lateral epicondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of low-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of previously untreated lateral epicondylitis. DESIGN: Randomized double-blind (patient and outcome assessor) controlled trial with power to show a clinically important difference in success rate between groups at the 0.05 level. Block randomization was stratified by unilateral or bilateral epicondylitis. SETTING: Community study at the University of Calgary. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were recruited by poster advertisements in physicians' offices, fitness and sports centers, and postsecondary education institutions, and by e-mail to faculty and staff at those institutions. Inclusion criteria were tenderness over the lateral epicondyle and common extensor origin tendons that worsened with resisted wrist extension and hand grip and with elbow extension, forearm pronation, and wrist palmar flexion; presence of lateral epicondylitis for > or =3 weeks and <1 year; willingness to discontinue bracing; and age > or =18 years. Participants (mean age, 46 years; mean duration of symptoms, 21 weeks; 62% men) were informed that the purpose of the study was to compare 2 different treatment protocols. INTERVENTION: After telephone screening eligible persons were examined by 1 physician. All 60 participants were taught a single forearm extensor stretch (4 repetitions held for 20 seconds, 4 times per day). Persons in the active ESWT were assigned to 3 treatments, 1 per week for 3 weeks. In each session, 2000 pulses of 0.03 to 0.17 mJ/mm2, depending on the participant's pain tolerance, were administered. The sham treatment group was administered the lowest dose buffered by an air pad, on the same schedule. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measure was treatment success or failure. Success was defined as > or =50% relief of pain overall from baseline, measured on a 10-cm visual analogue scale, with a maximum pain score of 4.0 cm, and no use of pain medication for lateral epicondylitis for 2 weeks before the 8-week evaluation. Bilaterally affected patients had to fulfill the success criteria for both arms. Change in quality of life and pain-free grip strength were also evaluated. Analysis was by intention to treat, including 4 patients (7%) lost to follow-up. MAIN RESULTS: The proportions of treatment successes in the sham ESWT and the active ESWT were 31% and 39% (P = 0.533). Mean differences pretreatment to posttreatment in median overall pain scores for the more painful elbow were a reduction of 0.9 cm (SD, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.1-1.8) for the sham ESWT group compared with a reduction of 1.5 cm (SD, 0.5; CI, 0.5-2.4) for the active treatment group. Changes in pain-free grip strength and minimal changes for both groups in quality of life did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose ESWT did not have a clinically important effect in reducing pain, improving quality of life, or increasing pain-free grip strength in middle-aged patients with previously untreated unilateral or bilateral lateral epicondylitis.

Journal Article↗