Effect of radiofrequency in de Quervain's tenosynovitis: A randomized control trial

Abstract

Background. De Quervain's tenosynovitis is mucoid degeneration of the tendon sheaths of the two tendons that regulate the mobility of the thumb. As a result, the wrist's thumb side is painful and uncomfortable. Objectives. To assess radiofrequency's effectiveness in patients with de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Design. A prospective randomized controlled trial. Setting. physical therapy department, Rail Way Hospital. Methods. 40 participants with de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Participants were divided into two groups at random: group A (control group), which received an ultrasound, transverse friction massage, and strengthening exercises; and group B (study group), which received radiofrequency plus ultrasound, transverse friction massage, and strengthening exercises. Pain intensity, hand grip strength, and pinch strength were all measured at the baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment by using the visual analog scale, Jamar dynamometer, and pinch gauge, respectively. Results. All outcome indicators in both groups improved statistically significantly (P < 0.05), according to within-group comparisons. The between-group comparisons showed significant improvement in all outcome measures for both groups (P < 0.05), with the study group showing superior improvement to the control group; the study group's VAS improvement percentage was 28.7%, its grip strength improvement percentage was 6.71%, and its pinch strength improvement percentage was 28.6%. Conclusion. In comparison to ultrasound, transverse friction massage, and strengthen exercise, radiofrequency plus ultrasound, transverse friction massage, and strengthen exercise resulted in greater improvements in de Quervain's tenosynovitis patients' pain intensity, hand grip strength, and pinch strength.